Department of Applied Science
Course Syllabus
7355 Introduction to
Geophysics
I. Instructor: Dr. Haydar Al-Shukri
II.
Catalog Description:
Application of geology and geophysics to study the interior of the earth and the development of its surface features. Three lectures per week. (3 hr.)
III.
Prerequisites: Calculus I
IV.
Course Objectives:
A. To give the participants of geology and geophysics an introduction to the physics of the earth and the dynamic processes shaping the earth.
B.
To
introduce the participants to the basic theory of geophysical instrumentation,
data collection and reduction, and interpretation.
C.
To
present the philosophy and technique of applying the basic laws of physics to
study the internal structure of the earth and geophysical measurement of these
structures.
D.
To
provide familiarity with geomagnetism and paleomagnetism; geogravity and earth
tides; geothermal processes; earthquake processes; distribution and crustal
deformation; elastic waves; and radioactivity.
V.
Expectation of Students:
A. Enrollees will participate in all class meeting and will complete assigned readings and other preparation to discussions of the subject matter.
B.
Enrollees
will achieve satisfactory grades on a midterm and final exams.
VI.
Course Content:
1.
The
planets and their orbits.
2.
Meteorites,
satellites, and asteroids.
3.
The
terrestrial plants and the Moon – composition and structure.
B.
Rotation,
gravity, and earth tides.
1.
Ellipticity
and the latitudinal variation of gravity.
2.
Precession,
wobble, and irregular rotation.
3.
Tides
and tidal friction.
4.
The
geoid and isostatic compensation.
5.
Application
instrumentation, measurements, and data reduction.
6.
Data
interpretation and modeling.
C.
Geomagnetism
and Paleomagnetism.
1.
The
main magnetic field.
2.
Evidence
from paleomagnetism.
3.
Applicable
instrumentation and measurements.
D.
Seismicity
and the pattern of crustal motion.
1.
Scope
and history of seismology.
2.
Mechanics
of earthquakes.
3.
Geographic
distribution of seismicity.
E.
Midterm
Examination.
F. Seismic waves and the structure of the earth.
1.
Elastic
waves and seismic rays.
2.
Methods
of earthquake location.
3.
Travel
times and velocity structure.
4.
Earth
models and properties of deep earth material.
5.
Seismic
instrumentation, measurements, and data reduction.
6.
Seismic
exploration and interpretation.
7.
New
Madrid Seismic Zone
G. Internal heat and the tectonic engine.
1.
Surface
heat flux.
2.
The
heat budget.
3.
The
thermodynamics of convection and convection in the mantle.
4.
Thermal
history of the mantle and cooling of the core.
H. Radioactivity, isotopic, and dating.
I.
Final
examination or oral presentation of term paper.
VII.
Basis for student
evaluation:
B. Class assignments 33%
C. Final examination/term paper 34%
VIII. Office hours