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Physical Geodesy and Geophysics

* Exchange students do not have to consider this information when selecting suitable courses for an exchange stay.

Course Unit Code544-0095/06
Number of ECTS Credits Allocated5 ECTS credits
Type of Course Unit *Compulsory
Level of Course Unit *Second Cycle
Year of Study *First Year
Semester when the Course Unit is deliveredWinter Semester
Mode of DeliveryFace-to-face
Language of InstructionCzech
Prerequisites and Co-Requisites There are no prerequisites or co-requisites for this course unit
Name of Lecturer(s)Personal IDName
POS0188doc. RNDr. Lubomil Pospíšil, CSc.
KOS0259doc. Ing. Jakub Kostelecký, Ph.D.
Summary
The course includes the science of the physical fields of the Earth, especially the gravitational field, its mathematical description and its influence on geodetic quantities. Current methods of physical geodesy require an understanding of the role of geopotential models in modern geodesy and knowledge of their practical applications. With this in mind, the basics of gravitational, gravity and tidal potentials are discussed using the mathematical apparatus of spherical harmonics and Legendre functions. Practical applications of this issue are discussed and practiced in the issues of altitude systems, fault potential, methods for determining the area and dimensions of geoids and quasi-geoids and obtaining global data of various geophysical quantities using modern geopotential models.
Furthermore, some geophysical methods and their use in engineering geodesy and mining surveying are discussed. The analysis of the physical fields of the Earth's body, in order to solve the problem of its shape and structure (internal structure of the Earth - especially the structure of the earth's crust and upper mantle, etc.) is part of the connection of both methods.
The importance of both methods is in the use and possibility of solving problems in the field of general, structural and deposit geology (tectonophysics; exploration of mineral deposits; localization of faults, etc.), solving problems in the field of engineering geology, environmental geology, hydrogeology, etc. At the same time, new satellite geophysical and geodetic methods enable global applications and forecasting of raw material potential, risks and threats.
With regard to the physical principle and character of the field, which we measure and analyze, the following geophysical methods are included in the subject: - gravimetry (gravity field), - geomagnetics (Earth's geomagnetic field), - geoelectrical methods (both natural and artificial geoelectric fields), - seismic survey and seismology (wave field), - radionuclide methods (radioactive field), - geothermal energy (thermal field).


Learning Outcomes of the Course Unit
Master the content of the subject according to the annotation. To learn to apply especially gravimetric methods and selected geophysical methods in geodesy and mining surveying. To improve in the knowledge of the laws of motion and shape of the Earth, its deformations and changes. Most geophysical methods currently include applications in the form of aerial, ground, mining, drilling variants, including modifications for marine applications. However, satellite geodetic and geophysical technologies are experiencing the greatest expansion, which are becoming part of everyday practice. Their foundations are part of Physical Geodesy. Each of the methods differs in its application by the used mathematical solution, global data sources, instrumentation, methodology of approach to solving the relevant problem, and in terms of interpretation.
Course Contents
1.Background of geophysics. Position of geophysics in Earth sciences
2.Fundamental of Earth-physics – physical fields of Earth
3.Gravity methods – physical principles
4.Gravity of Earth – reference spheroid, the geoid
5.Gravity reductions, Free-air correction, Bouguer correction
6.Gravity instruments
7.Magnetic methods – magnetism of the Earth
8.Elements of the Earth´s magnetic field
9.Electrical methods – resistivity methods
10.Locating Conductors and Non-conductors
11.Seismic and seismological methods.
12.Classification of seismic events
13.Radioactivity methods
14.Radioactivity of rock, units, background
Recommended or Required Reading
Required Reading:
HEISKANEN, W.A., MORITZ, H.: Physical Geodesy. W.H.Freeman and Co., 1967.
TELFORD, W. M., GELDART, L., P., SHERIFF, R., E.: Applied Geophysics Second Edition, Published by The Press, 2001.
ZEMAN, A. Fyzikální geodézie. Skripta ČVUT, Praha 1998
MERVART, L., CIMBALNÍK, M. Vyšší geodézie 2. Skripta ČVUT, Praha 1997
BURŠA, M., 2004: Geopotenciál. Díl I. Teoretické základy a modely. Ministerstvo obrany ČR, Praha, 2004.
TELFORD, W. M., GELDART, L., P., SHERIFF, R., E.: Applied Geophysics Second Edition, Published by The Press, 2001
Recommended Reading:
MORITZ, H.: Advanced physical geodesy. Abarcus Press., 1980.
WAHR, J., Geodesy and Gravity. Syndicate of the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom,. Class Notes, Department of Physics University of Colorado, Samizdat Press, 491p, 1999.
MULLER, K., OKÁL, M., HOFRICHTEROVÁ, L. Základy hornické geofyziky. SNTL, Alfa Praha 1985
MAREŠ, S. a kol., 1990. Úvod do užité geofyziky, SNTL/ALFA Praha, 672s.
HEISKANEN, W.A., MORITZ, H.: Physical Geodesy. W.H. Freeman and Co., 1967.
MORITZ, H.: Advanced physical geodesy. Abarcus Press., 1980.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Lectures, Tutorials
Assesment methods and criteria
Task TitleTask TypeMaximum Number of Points
(Act. for Subtasks)
Minimum Number of Points for Task Passing
Credit and ExaminationCredit and Examination100 (100)51
        CreditCredit33 17
        ExaminationExamination67 34