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2018/19 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE3260 Global Seismology

10 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Prof Jurgen W Neuberg
Email: J.Neuberg@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2018/19

Pre-requisite qualifications

Students require a solid background in university level maths and geophysics (particularly calculus and basic seismology).

This module is mutually exclusive with

SOEE5670MGlobal Seismology

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Seismology is one of the most important sources of information on the internal structure of our planet. This module is designed to teach the basic principles of global seismology including the theory of seismic wave propagation, seismic instrumentation, seismic sources and the effect of structure on seismic wave propagation. The course has an emphasis on the principles of seismic imaging of the Earth's interior. This module will be taught through a combination of lectures and computer based practicals and will be assessed through assessed coursework, and a 2 hour exam.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course the students will have an understanding of the background and theory of seismic wave propagation, seismic sources and their theoretical description, seismic hazard and risk and different seismic imaging techniques to study the Earth's interior.

The student should be able to critically assess current seismological literature and have knowledge of the potential and restrictions of seismic imaging.

Through practical experience the student will gain insight into modern seismic processing and digital seismogram interpretation. The module uses digital seismic data to solve scientific questions in a series of practical sessions.

Learning outcomes
Coursework will have a strong emphasis on problem solving, so the student will master specialist techniques for quantitatively analysing geophysical problems.

Students will gain discipline specific skills involving the understanding of seismic sources and modern seismic processing with the aim to image the Earth’s interior. The students will be introduced to reading and processing modern digital seismograms.


Syllabus

1. Analysis of stress and strain; Hooke's Law; elastic properties;
2. Seismic wave equation, P and S waves in homogeneous media;
3. Travel times and ray-theory;
4. Seismic tomography;
5. Seismic wave propagation in heterogeneous media;
6. Surface waves, dispersion relation, group and phase velocity; normal modes;
7. Seismic sources, Moment tensor and fault plane solution;
8. Seismic hazard;
9. Seismic imaging.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Computer Class92.0018.00
Lecture161.0016.00
Private study hours66.00
Total Contact hours34.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

Class notes, computer based learning material, directed reading of current literature, follow-up of practical material, background reading of theory and practical applications, revision.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Continuous monitoring during computer practicals with immediate formative assessment and feedback. One (1) scientific report based on practical classes for formative assessment (in addition to one scientific report that is formally assessed).

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Computer ExerciseScientific paper based on computer practicals40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)40.00

Students are required to pass the module in total including results from coursework and exam. Re-sits will constitute an unseen standard exam.


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)2 hr 00 mins60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)60.00

Students are required to pass the module in total including results from coursework and exam. Re-sits will constitute an unseen standard exam.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 01/05/2018

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