This course is for Honours students
This course consists of a series of modules dealing with the advanced geophysical methods that are used to explore Earth. The course combines advanced theory in these areas with integrated case studies, laboratory experiments, and applications related to current research topics. Three fundamental disciplines form the core of this course:
(i) rock physics; (ii) seismology; and (iii) geodesy. Typical questions addressed include: (i) how and why do rocks deform? (ii) how can we measure deformation of the Earth? (iii) How can the structure and evolution of planetary interiors be sensed remotely? (iv) How are active tectonic processes and the Earthquake cycle related?
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Module 1: Rock Physics 1- Understand the fundamental solid mechanics theories of rock physics; 2- Solve simple quantitative problems using straightforward analytical techniques; 3- Understand how rock physics is relevant in engineering, structural geology and petroleum geophysics; 4- Apply the theory of rock physics to interpret the seismic properties of rocks; 5- Understand the crucial role of laboratory testing of rocks.
- Module 2: Geodesy and the Earthquake Cycle 1- Describe and explain the fundamentals of Geodesy, with particular emphasis on satellite techniques for measuring deformation of the Earth (e.g. GPS/GNSS, SLR, VLBI, SAR, GRACE); 2- Use GPS and/or InSAR geodetic techniques to measure Earth deformation associated with active tectonic processes and the Earthquake cycle; 3- Exploit geodetic data to develop models of active tectonic processes that are both the cause and result of earthquakes.
- Module 3: Seismology 1- Understand the principles of seismic wave propagation through the Earth; 2- Analyze and interpret seismic data recorded on seismometers; 3- Demonstrate how seismology can be used to investigate physical properties and processes within Earth’s interior.
Indicative Assessment
- Rock Physics (33.33%): 1- Take home test aimed at assessing students understanding of rock physics (LO 1.1-1.5); 2- Lab class report on one of the two rock physics labs to be undertaken (LO 1.5). (33) [LO 1]
- Geodesy - computer programming assignments in (33.33%): 1- Analysis of satellite observations (LO 2.1); 2- Modeling of Earth Deformation using satellite data (LO 2.2 and 2.3). (33) [LO 2]
- Seismology (33.33%): 1- Take home test assessing students understanding of seismology (LO 3.1-3.3); 2- Computer lab class report on tasks related to the inversion of the 1D Earth’s seismic structure (LO 3.3); 3- Critical synthesis of a frontier scientific article on seismology (LO 3.1 and LO 3.3). (33) [LO 3]
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Workload
Lecture attendance (40 hours); Labs (8 hours); Tutorials and Workshops (24 hours); Self-study (60 hours). In most weeks there are three 3-hour blocks that consist of a lecture followed by a practical. The Course guide on Wattle will give up-to-date information about the exact scheduling of classes.
Inherent Requirements
Not yet determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Research School of Earth Sciences to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
Reading material will be uploaded to Wattle as and when required.
Assumed Knowledge
Maths and Physics
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $4110 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $5880 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.