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2021/22 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 2021/22

Pre-requisite qualifications

Students require a solid background in university level mathematics 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

SOEE3470Plate Tectonics & Geodynamics
SOEE3530Global 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
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

- Apply detailed mathematical analysis combined with order of magnitude estimates to quantitatively analyse a range of problems in geodynamics.
-Analyse and evaluate the different perspectives of the dynamics of Earth's interior using research literature.
-Describe Earth's structure and constitution.


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 typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture201.0020.00
Practical101.0010.00
Private study hours70.00
Total Contact hours30.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

- Completion of coursework problems (1.5 x 10 hours).
- Literature review and completion of essays (2 x 8 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 consists of formatively assessed weekly problem sets and two essays. One essay is formatively assessed and the other is summatively assessed. The second essay is an expanded version of the first essay and both cover similar topics.

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 typeNotes% of formal assessment
PracticalSummative assessment comprises 1 practical report. Weekly problem sets are formatively assessed.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 typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Open Book exam48 hr 00 mins50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by a single 2 hour exam

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 30/06/2021 16:25:50

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