Geophysics

Code:

GEOL3011

Acronym:

GEOL3011

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Geology

Instance: 2023/2024 - 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:B	1	Official Study Plan	3	-	6	48	162
L:CC	0	study plan from 2021/22	2	-	6	48	162
			3
L:F	21	Official Study Plan	2	-	6	48	162
L:G	18	study plan from 2017/18	2	-	6	48	162
			3
L:M	7	Official Study Plan	2	-	6	48	162
			3
L:Q	0	study plan from 2016/17	3	-	6	48	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

Acquire the necessary knowledge to become familiar with the geophysical processes that provide tools for understanding geological processes and the internal structure of the Earth.

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

Module 1 – Earth’s dynamics
• Tectonic plates
• Plate boundaries
• Plate velocity
• Plate movement
• Triple junction

Module 2 – Earth’s magnetic field
• The role of the magnetic field
• Magnetic anomalies
• Paleomagnetism and the ocean’s extension
• Magnetic methods

Module 3 – Rock magnetism
• Magnetic minerals
• Curie temperature and blocking temperature
• Rock magnetization
• Paleomagnetism
• Magnetic polarization inversion

Module 4 – Seismology and the Earth’s interior structure
• Seismic waves
• Seismic waves propagation
• Refraction and reflection
• Earthquakes
• Seismic discontinuities

Module 5 – Earth’s gravitational field
• Concepts and unities
• Gravitational potential and acceleration
• Gravitation
• Gravimetric anomalies

Module 6 – Earth’s internal heat
• Concepts and unities
• Origin
• Heat transfers
• Radioactive decay and heat generation
• Heat flow in oceans and continents
• Geothermal energy


Bibliography
Fowler, C. M. R. (1990). The solid earth: an introduction to global geophysics. Cambridge University Press.

Lowrie, W., & Fichtner, A. (2020). Fundamentals of geophysics. Cambridge university press.

Mussett, A. E., & Khan, M. A. (2000). Looking into the earth: an introduction to geological
geophysics. Cambridge University press

Mandatory literature

William Lowrie; Fundamentals of geophysics. ISBN: 0-521-46728-4

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical concepts are presented in PowerPoint format, later made available to students.
Practical classes involve applying the concepts from theoretical classes through problem-solving
exercises.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Teste	100,00
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 evaluation will be based on two evaluation tests, each one counting 50% of the final grade.

Mandatory minimum grade in each evaluation test - 8

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

not aplicable

Classification improvement

Subsequent exam period