Introduction to Geophysics
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
1. To introduce the phenomenological laws governing the transport of mass, energy, linear momentum and electrical charge in the planet Earth at different spatial and temporal scales. 2. To use the basic conservation principles of physics to derive the equations which describe the behaviour of the different compartments of the Earth (atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere) and their interactions.
3. To introduce basic notions about geophysical measurements and surveys.
3. To introduce basic notions about geophysical measurements and surveys.
Expected learning outcomes
The students will acquire ability to:1. read and understand scientific papers and technical reports dealing with the physical aspects of the structure and dynamics of the Earth;
2. critically analyse the results of observations and mathematical modelling of the dynamics of the Earth.
2. critically analyse the results of observations and mathematical modelling of the dynamics of the Earth.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Introduction to Earth Sciences.
Phenomenological laws for transport processes (mass, linear momentum, energy, electrical charges) in geophysics.
Theoretical and practical issues about transport phenomena in the Earth, with particular focus on: motion of elastic media (basic seismics) and of viscous fluids in rotating frames (atmosphere and oceans); circulation of ground water; energy and solute transport; electrical and electromagnetic fields.
Potential fields: Earth's gravity and magnetic fields.
Phenomenological laws for transport processes (mass, linear momentum, energy, electrical charges) in geophysics.
Theoretical and practical issues about transport phenomena in the Earth, with particular focus on: motion of elastic media (basic seismics) and of viscous fluids in rotating frames (atmosphere and oceans); circulation of ground water; energy and solute transport; electrical and electromagnetic fields.
Potential fields: Earth's gravity and magnetic fields.
Prerequisites for admission
Good knowledge of classical physics.
Teaching methods
Standard lectures.
Fast quizzes (multiple-choice questions) will be proposed during lectures, whereas autonomous activities will be proposed as homework between successive lectures. These activities will be performed with telematic synchronous and/or asynchronous instruments (e.g., the platforms Moodle or MS Teams).
Autonomous activity by students, through the preparation of a written report about the in-depth study of a topic chosen by each student among a list proposed by the teacher.
Fast quizzes (multiple-choice questions) will be proposed during lectures, whereas autonomous activities will be proposed as homework between successive lectures. These activities will be performed with telematic synchronous and/or asynchronous instruments (e.g., the platforms Moodle or MS Teams).
Autonomous activity by students, through the preparation of a written report about the in-depth study of a topic chosen by each student among a list proposed by the teacher.
Teaching Resources
Lecture notes and material prepared by the teacher will be downloadable from the moodle site of the course unit.
Suggested additional readings
Bear J. (1979) Hydraulics of groundwater. McGraw-Hill.
Holton J.R. & Hakim G.J. (2013) An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology, 5th ed. Academic Press.
Lowrie W. (2007) Fundamentals of Geophysics, 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press
Marsily G. de (1986) Quantitative Hydrogeology - Groundwater hydrology for engineers. Academic Press.
Pedlosky J. (1987) Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, 2nd ed. Springer.
Stewart R.H. (2008) Introduction to Physical Oceanography. Texas A&M University.
Telford W.M., Geldart L.P. & Sherriff R.E. (1990) Applied Geophysics, 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press.
Turcotte D.L. & Schubert G. (2002) Geodynamics applications of continuum physics to geological problems 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press.
Suggested additional readings
Bear J. (1979) Hydraulics of groundwater. McGraw-Hill.
Holton J.R. & Hakim G.J. (2013) An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology, 5th ed. Academic Press.
Lowrie W. (2007) Fundamentals of Geophysics, 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press
Marsily G. de (1986) Quantitative Hydrogeology - Groundwater hydrology for engineers. Academic Press.
Pedlosky J. (1987) Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, 2nd ed. Springer.
Stewart R.H. (2008) Introduction to Physical Oceanography. Texas A&M University.
Telford W.M., Geldart L.P. & Sherriff R.E. (1990) Applied Geophysics, 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press.
Turcotte D.L. & Schubert G. (2002) Geodynamics applications of continuum physics to geological problems 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Preparation of a written report related to the in depth study of one of the topics taught during the lectures.
Oral exam (discussion of the report and questions on the topics of the lectures) to verify the acquisition of knowledge about the topics taught during lectures.
Results of quizzes (multiple-choice questions) and homework (open questions and exercises) performed during the semester will provide an additional, integrative assessment.
For the written report the assessment criteria are the ability to reinforce the knowledge of the assigned topic by reading specialistic references, the ability to describe the topic, and the skill in the use of the specialistic lexicon.
For the oral exam, the assessment criteria are the ability to organize the presentation of knowledge and the mastery of the results illustrated in the report and of the topics taught during the lectures.
The final evaluation is expressed with a mark in thirtieth, and accounts for the assessment of the written report and of the oral exam; the assessment of the results of quizzes and homework can give an incremental, additional bonus for the final mark.
Oral exam (discussion of the report and questions on the topics of the lectures) to verify the acquisition of knowledge about the topics taught during lectures.
Results of quizzes (multiple-choice questions) and homework (open questions and exercises) performed during the semester will provide an additional, integrative assessment.
For the written report the assessment criteria are the ability to reinforce the knowledge of the assigned topic by reading specialistic references, the ability to describe the topic, and the skill in the use of the specialistic lexicon.
For the oral exam, the assessment criteria are the ability to organize the presentation of knowledge and the mastery of the results illustrated in the report and of the topics taught during the lectures.
The final evaluation is expressed with a mark in thirtieth, and accounts for the assessment of the written report and of the oral exam; the assessment of the results of quizzes and homework can give an incremental, additional bonus for the final mark.
GEOS-04/A - Solid Earth Geophysics - University credits: 2
GEOS-04/B - Applied Geophysics - University credits: 2
GEOS-04/C - Oceanography, Meteorology and Climatology - University credits: 2
GEOS-04/B - Applied Geophysics - University credits: 2
GEOS-04/C - Oceanography, Meteorology and Climatology - University credits: 2
Lessons: 42 hours
Professor:
Giudici Mauro
Professor(s)
Reception:
By phone or mail appointment
via Botticelli 23