Geophysics

Code:

FIS2010

Acronym:

FIS2010

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Physics

Instance: 2017/2018 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Physics and Astronomy
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Physics

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:F	0	Official Study Plan	2	-	6	49	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

The purpose of this course is to introduce the concepts involved in applying physics to the study of the Earth. The following topics will be covered during the course: Geothermics, Geoelectricity, Electromagnetic Methods, and Seismology and the Internal Structure of the Earth.

Learning outcomes and competences

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

O1 - Knowledge and understanding: acquire knowledge in Geophysics, on subjects like Geothermics, and Geoelectric, Electromagnetic and Seismic surveying, as well as understand their physical principles and applications.

O2 - Applying knowledge: apply the acquired knowledge in lectures, in Geophysics problem solving, at recitation classes; apply computational skills for processing, interpretation, modelling and visualization of geophysical data.

O3 - Formulate judgments: apply critical thinking in the analysis and discussion of Geophysical problems.

O4 - Communication skills: demonstrate basic communication skills through: group work; interpretation and discussion of Geophysical problems.

O5 - Learning skills: conduct self-study through access to educational esources available on the course e-learning Moodle platform of UP.

Working method

B-learning

Program

I. Geothermics

Production of Earth internal heat

Continental and oceanic geothermal flow and its measurement

Analysis of the Earth internal heat transfer

Determination of equilibrium geothermals

Effects of surface periodic temperature variation on subsurface temperature

Cooling of the oceanic lithosphere

Adiabatic temperature gradient

II. Geolectricity

Basic concepts

Electrical properties of rocks

Ground electrical resistivity surveying in different configurations

Experimental data modelling. Characteristic curves

Electrical surveying in layered soils

III. Electromagnetic methods

Basic concepts

The GPR, HLEM and Slingram techniques

Environmental and forensic applications

IV. Seismology and Earth internal structure

Elasticity and seismic waves

Attenuation of seismic waves

Seismic travel time curves and delay times. Analysis of seismic wave reflection and refraction

Applications of reflection and refraction seismology

Mandatory literature

Lowrie William 1939-; Fundamentals of geophysics. ISBN: 0-521-46728-4
Fowler C. M. R.; The solid earth. ISBN: 0-521-89307-0
Shearer Peter M.; Introduction to seismology. ISBN: 0-521-66953-7
Lillie Robert J. 1952-; Whole earth geophysics. ISBN: 0-13-490517-2
Sleep Norman H.; Principles of geophysics. ISBN: 0-86542-076-9
Telford W. M.; Applied geophysics. ISBN: 0-521-33938-3
T. M. Seixas; Course Notes in Geophysics.

Teaching methods and learning activities

Blending learning.

The syllabus topics are covered in lecture classes, with emphasis on the application of physical principles to the study of the Earth, in the areas of Geothermics, Geoelectricity, Electromagnetic Methods and Seismology.

In recitation classes, students will solve problems, in group, under instructor’s guidance.

In addition to face to face lectures and recitations classes, didactic contents and formative tests will be made available in Moodle Platform of UP.

Particular emphasis will be given to motivate students to work throughout the semester. It is considered that learning implies dedicated work and attendance of all those interested in acquiring skills.

Approval in this course unit requires a score of at least 10 (out of 20) in final exam (normal or appeal). If the final exam grade is equal or greater than 8.0 and lower than 9.5, the student may request an oral examination.

keywords

Natural sciences > Environmental science > Earth science > Geophysical sciences

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Eligibility for exams

Attendance at recitation classes is mandatory. Failure to attend three-quarters of the provided classes result in a RFF grade (“reprovado por falta de frequência”).

Calculation formula of final grade

Final exam grade between 0 and 20.

If the final exam grade is equal or greater than 8.0 and lower than 9.5, the student may request an oral examination.

Classification improvement

Appeal exam.