Mathematical Methods in Geophysics
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course provides the physical-mathematical notions necessary for the modeling of the global dynamics of the Earth. The student will learn to represent vectorial and tensor fields in a generic coordinate system and to solve the moment and Poisson equations for a self-gravitating, compressible viscoelastic planet. These methodologies allow the student to understand several geological and geophysical processes in terms of topographical perturbations of the surface and of the internal interfaces of the Earth, as well as of gravitational anomalies associated with the mass redistribution within the mantle and the lithosphere.
Expected learning outcomes
Capability to understand the physical laws that govern the dynamics of the planet both at global and local spatial scales and the transition from elastic to fluid behavior.
Capability to model the deformations due to the Earth's rotation, to surface and internal loads (like a glacial shield and the density anomaly of a sinking slab) and to earthquakes.
Capability to model the deformations due to the Earth's rotation, to surface and internal loads (like a glacial shield and the density anomaly of a sinking slab) and to earthquakes.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Frontal lessons could be carried out in synchronous mode using the TEAMS platform
Course syllabus
The course provides the physical-mathematical notions necessary for the modeling of the global dynamics of the Earth. The student will learn to represent vectorial and tensor fields in a generic coordinate system and to solve the moment and Poisson equations for a self-gravitating, compressible viscoelastic planet. These methodologies allow the student to understand several geological and geophysical processes in terms of topographical perturbations of the surface and of the internal interfaces of the Earth, as well as of gravitational anomalies associated with the mass redistribution within the mantle and the lithosphere.
Capability to understand the physical laws that govern the dynamics of the planet both at global and local spatial scales and the transition from elastic to fluid behavior.
Capability to model the deformations due to the Earth's rotation, to surface and internal loads (like a glacial shield and the density anomaly of a sinking slab) and to earthquakes.
Capability to understand the physical laws that govern the dynamics of the planet both at global and local spatial scales and the transition from elastic to fluid behavior.
Capability to model the deformations due to the Earth's rotation, to surface and internal loads (like a glacial shield and the density anomaly of a sinking slab) and to earthquakes.
Prerequisites for admission
None
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons
Teaching Resources
Sabadini, R., Vermeersen, B. & Cambiotti, G., 2016, Applications of Vis- coelastic Relaxation Theory to Solid-Earth and Planetary Geophysics,
Springer.
Springer.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral examination
GEO/10 - SOLID EARTH GEOPHYSICS - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Cambiotti Gabriele
Professor(s)