Entry requirements

120 credits including (1) 80 credits in physics and mathematics or (2) 70 credits in earth science and 45 credits in physics and mathematics. In both cases, participation in course Continuum Mechanics in Geophysics, 5 credits, of which 1 credit was taken, and either Global Geophysics, 10 credits, or The Physics and Dynamics of the Earth, 5 credits, completed. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

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

• Discuss the concepts and limitations of the basic theory of seismic wave propagation.

• Understand and interpret amplitudes, phases, attenuation and anisotropy of seismic waves.

• Understand and interpret surface waves and dispersion.

• Account for how the Earth's internal structure can be interpreted from seismological data and discuss uncertainties and limitations in the resolution of different methods.

• Explain the principles behind seismic instruments.

   

Content

Seismic wave propagation. The wave equation. Approximate modelling methods (eikonal equation, radiation theory). Body and surface waves. Free oscillations of the Earth. Seismographs and seismograms. Examples of seismic modelling results.

Instruction

Lectures, exercises, homework and seminar presentations.

Assessment

Written examination (2.5 credits), homework assignments (2 credits) and seminar (0.5 credits).

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.