Entry requirements

180 credits including 75 credits in physics and mathematics. In addition, Continuum Mechanics in Geophysics 5 credits, and Global Geophysics 10 credits, are required.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Apply the equations of continuum mechanics to geodynamical problems.
• Code one- and two-dimensional finite difference and spectral models of linear systems using MATLAB.
• Describe the differences and limitations of different numerical techniques and choose the most appropriate method accordingly.
• Explain the difference between Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions.
• Use the commercial code Comsol Multiphysics to solve a variety of dynamical problems.
• Produce visualisation of the output (graphs, contour plots, movies, etc.).

Content

Finite difference and spectral methods. Introduction to Comsol Multiphysics (commercial finite element code).

Comparison of analytical and numerical solutions: heat equation, flexure of thin and thick plates, fluid flow. Asthenospheric counter-flow model. Post-glacial rebound. Diapirism as Rayleigh-Taylor instability. Thermal convection. One-dimensional flow with constant and variable viscosity. Shear heating in Couette flow and thermal run-away instability. Faulting, friction, and simple earthquake models. Stress diffusion.

Instruction

Lectures, homework, problem solving, computer exercises.

Assessment

Oral examination (2 credits), homework assignments (2 credits), and oral presentation (1 credit).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.