Geophysics

Code:

GEOL3011

Acronym:

GEOL3011

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Geology

Instance: 2022/2023 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Geology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:G	15	study plan from 2017/18	2	-	6	56	162
			3

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

Acquire knowledge that enables the measurement and general understanding of Earth's geophysical processes which, in turn, allows to understand both its internal structure and the way our planet works as a whole.

Learning outcomes and competences

Be able to understand Earth's major geophysical processes and gain some experience with some data acquisition techniques.

Working method

Presencial

Program

I The Earth's magnetic field

Elements

How it is generated

Units

Measuring instruments

 

II Magnetism in the rocks

Magnetic minerals

Curie temperature and blocking temperature

Magnetization of rocks

Apparent polar wander

Paleomagnetism

Magnetic polarity inversions

 

III Magnetism in the Biosphere

Causes I

 

V Earth's gravitational field

Mass and density

Units

Universal gravitation

Gravity acceleration

Measuring instruments

Gravimetric corrections

Gravimetric anomalies

 

V Seismology

Causes of earthquakes

Focal mechanism

Elastic rebound theory

 

VI Seismic waves

Refraction and reflection

Seismic waves and the Earth's interior

Seismic discontinuities

 

VII Plate tectonics

Plate tectonics and plate boundaries

Plate velocities

Euler geometry and plate movements

Plate movements

Paleomagnetism and expansion of the ocean floor

 

VIII Internal heat of the Earth Source

Units

Heat transfers: conduction and convection

Radioactive decay and heat generation

Heat flow in oceans and continents

Geothermal

IX Metereology

Atmospheric geophysics

Introduction to the basic concepts of meteorology

Methods of meteorological measurement.

Mandatory literature

Mussett Alan E.; Looking into the earth. ISBN: 0 521 78574 X
Jon Shonk; Introducing Meteorology : A Guide to Weather, Dunedin Academic Press, 2013. ISBN: ISBN10 1780460023

Teaching methods and learning activities

The theoretical notions are presented in "power point" format that is made available to students. In the practical classes the concepts of the theoretical part are applied in classic cases or in the application of real cases of the research of the teachers. This training is complemented by some visits to observe equipments, institutes and institutions that operate at present and where the current projects are observed.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Teste	50,00
Exame	50,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	50,00
Frequência das aulas	50,00
Total:	100,00

Eligibility for exams

According to the FCUP rules

Calculation formula of final grade

The assessment includes 2 components:

+ Moodle test - 10 out of 20
+ Test TP exercises (distance or face-to-face) -  10 out of 20


For the student to have approval, the sum of the  2 components must be greater than or equal to 10.

In each component : at least 5 out of 10.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

not aplicable

Classification improvement

subsequent exam period