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About course

FAG5125 Geodynamics 7.5 credits

Administrate About course

The aims of the course are:

•                     To develop a comprehensive understanding of the Earth physical system,

•                     To provide the skills necessary to model large scale geodynamic processes,

 After the course the student is expected to be able to:

- achieve knowledge on the physics of the Earth’s interior,

- Understand the quantitative aspects of plate tectonics and the earth’s structure,

- Describe stress and Strain in Solids ,

- Understand the problems related to climate changes and geodynamics,

- explain principle of isostasy.

Course offering missing for current semester as well as for previous and coming semesters
Headings with content from the Course syllabus FAG5125 (Spring 2019–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

To give the student a general knowledge of ongoing geodynamic processes with emphasis on interpretation on geodetic data. The main topics are:

  • Earth rotation and global dynamic processes (Earth rotation, polar motion, Reference Frames, nutation and precession),
  • The Gravity Field of the Earth (Potential theory, geoid),
  • Mass transport and mass distribution in the Earth system,
  • Earth tides,
  • Isostasy and compensation and their applications in Earth modelling,
  • Tectonics and Crustal Deformation (Plate kinematics, continental drift, seafloor spreading),
  • Sea surface topography and sea level changes (climate change studies),
  • Effects of the Earth's fluid layers (e.g. post-glacial rebound, loading) and applications,
  • Stress and Strain in Solids

Intended learning outcomes

The aims of the course are:

  • To develop a comprehensive understanding of the Earth physical system,
  • To provide the skills necessary to model large scale geodynamic processes

After the course the student is expected to be able to:

  • Achieve knowledge on the physics of the Earth’s interior,
  • Understand the quantitative aspects of plate tectonics and the earth’s structure,
  • Describe stress and Strain in Solids ,
  • Understand the problems related to climate changes and geodynamics,
  • Explain principle of isostasy.

Course disposition

No information inserted

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

Advanced Physical Geodesy

Satellite gravimetry

Satellite Positioning

1N5113 Theory of Science and Research Methods, Technological and Natural Sciences.

Recommended prerequisites

Advanced Physical Geodesy

Satellite gravimetry

Satellite Positioning

1N5113 Theory of Science and Research Methods, Technological and Natural Sciences.

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

  • Geodynamics: Applications of continuum physics to geological problems, 2nd Ed. by D.L Turcotte and G. Schubert, Cambridge University Press, 2001 (T&S).
  • Fowler C M R (1990) The solid earth: an introduction to global geophysics. Cambridge University Press.
  • David E. Smith, Donald L. Turcotte, (2013). Contributions of Space Geodesy to Geodynamics: Earth Dynamics. Published Online: 15 MAR 2013. DOI: 10.1029/GD024.  Online ISBN: 9781118669723.
  • Scientific papers downloadable via the university’s library

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

P, F

Examination

  • PRO1 - Project, 5,0 hp, betygsskala: P, F
  • SEM1 - Seminar, 2,5 hp, betygsskala: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

No information inserted

Examiner

Profile picture Huaan Fan

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course web

Further information about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.

Course web FAG5125

Offered by

ABE/Geodesy and Satellite Positioning

Main field of study

No information inserted

Education cycle

Third cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted

Contact

Professor Anna Jensen anna.jensen@abe.kth.se 08-7907353

Supplementary information

 Geodynamics: Applications of continuum physics to geological problems, 2nd Ed. by D.L Turcotte and G. Schubert, Cambridge University Press, 2001 (T&S).

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

- David E. Smith, Donald L. Turcotte, (2013). Contributions of Space Geodesy to Geodynamics: Earth Dynamics. Published Online: 15 MAR 2013. DOI: 10.1029/GD024.  Online ISBN: 9781118669723.

- Scientific papers downloadable via the university’s library

Postgraduate course

Postgraduate courses at ABE/Geodesy and Satellite Positioning