GEOPHYS 330 Physics of the Earth

This course illustrates the wide scope of geophysics and its application to the study of structure and processes in the Earth, from the global scale to the shallow subsurface. It outlines key discoveries of global and lithospheric geophysics, and shows how these were deduced from observed data. The course has an emphasis on the principles behind geophysical concepts, methods and data analysis. For students interested in exploration geophysics, this course complements GEOLOGY 361 by providing students with a broader coverage of geophysics and a sound theoretical background, balanced by practical exercises involving experimental work, data acquisition and data analysis.

Topics covered include: Seismology and internal structure of the Earth, elastic waves, density and thermal structure of the Earth; geomagnetism, rock magnetism, paleomagnetism and plate tectonics; Earth's gravity field; applied geophysical methods, especially exploration seismics, analysis of seismic ray paths, seismic imaging and modelling.

On successful completion of the course students should have a basic understanding of:

• The physical and mathematical principles of solid earth and seismic geophysical methods

On successful completion of the course students should be able to:

• Explain how geophysical measurements led to the development of the theory of plate tectonics
• Explain how earthquake waves are used to deduce the Earth’s internal velocity, density and temperature structure
• Describe earthquake characteristics and the principles of seimic wave propagation
• Describe the principle spatial and temporal characteristics of the Earth’s magnetic field and its use in paleomagnetic methods
• Explain the nature of the earth’s gravity field
• Analyse seismic refraction and reflection data to deduce simple velocity structures
• Explain how seismic reflection data can be used to construct and enhance images of the subsurface

Dr Barry Brennan - ext.88809; b.brennan@auckland.ac.nz; room 607 (Physics)
Dr John Cassidy
Assoc. Prof. Ron Keam

This course comprises two parts; in solid earth geophysics aspects of the gravitational field, the rotation and figure of the earth, seismology and the internal structure of the earth, the earth's internal heat, the geomagnetic field, paleomagnetism and geodynamics are covered. In the applied geophysics part, the theory and principles of the key geophysical methods are covered. Practical work includes laboratory experiments, computer-based data processing and interpretation, and the critical assessment of geophysical data. Geology students are strongly advised to take GEOLOGY 361 in addition to this course. Courses GEOLOGY 361 and GEOPHYS 330 together provide a solid grounding in applied geophysics for both geology and physics students and are essential for students intending to further their studies in applied geophysics.

Note: This is a joint Geology - Physics course.

• Kearey P., Brookes M. & Hill, I. (2002). An Introduction to Geophysical Exploration, (3rd. ed). Blackwell
• Dobrin M.B. & Savit C.H. (1988). Introduction to Geophysical Prospecting (4th ed). McGraw Hill.
• Lowrie W. (1997). Fundamentals of Geophysics. Cambridge University Press.
• Stacey F.D. (1992). Physics of the Earth (3rd ed). Brookfield Press.