2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE5665M Global Geophysics

10 creditsClass Size: 15

Module manager: Dr Christopher Davies
Email: C.Davies@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

Students require a solid background in university level maths and physics (e.g., differential equations, vector algebra and calculus, E&M, fluid mechanics). Geology/geophysics background is also helpful.

This module is mutually exclusive with

SOEE3470	Plate Tectonics & Geodynamics
SOEE3530	Global Geophysics

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

This module focuses on the earth's deep interior and combines different geophysical methods to investigate this area. By the end of the module the student will have a good picture of the physical properties, structure and dynamics of the deep earth, and how we can deduce these features from geophysical techniques.

Learning outcomes
Coursework will have a strong emphasis on problem solving, so the student will master specialist techniques for quantitatively analysing geophysical problems. Essay questions on coursework and exam will require the students to critically evaluate current work on relevant topics using primary research literature.

Syllabus

Plate Tectonics:
• Plate characteristics; historical development of observational evidence, continental drift & sea floor spreading
• Relative plate motions in 2D, velocity diagrams and triple junction analysis
• Relative plate motions in 3D, rotation vectors, geometric implications of motion on a sphere
• Plate driving forces, traction, ridge push, slab pull, phase boundary effects

Mantle Convection:
• Governing equations, Boussinesq approximation
• Non-dimensional numbers, scaling laws
• Onset of convection, critical Rayleigh number
• Fate of slabs, whole mantle vs layered convection
• Dynamic topography
• The adiabat and mantle geotherm

Geomagnetic Field:
• Spherical harmonics
• IGRF
• Dipole strength, long term variations, CALS7k, GUFM; dipole decay
• Geodynamo, governing equations, non-dimensional numbers,
• Core convection and magnetic field generation

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Class tests, exams and assessment	1	1.00	1.00
Lecture	20	1.00	20.00
Practical	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			69.00
Total Contact hours			31.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

- Completion of coursework problems (2 x 10 hours).
- Literature review and completion of essays (2 x 6 hours).
- General background reading for lectures (10 x 1 hours).
- Exam preparation and revision (1 x 27 hours).

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Continuous monitoring during practicals with immediate formative assessment and feedback.
- Coursework provides a mixture of summative (each counts towards 25% of the final mark) and formative assessment.
- Assessments consist of a mix of numerical questions and a discursive essay on topics that will be similar to those on the final exam.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Practical	2 practical reports - Mix of problem solving and essay questions. Both are equally weighted.	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	1 hr 00 mins	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 01/09/2016

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