Geophysics is a trans-disciplinary science that examines the structure and the dynamics/evolution of the Earth by studying the magnitudes, changes and interdependencies of physical parameters and phenomena generated by the activity and interaction of the host of the dynamic subsystems comprising our Planet. In its Applied form, Geophysics engages in the exploration and appraisal of mineral, energy and other natural resources, with the appraisal and prediction of hazards related to natural/geological processes or/and anthropogenic industrial activity, with the investigation and study of geotechnical problems related to construction and built environments and, finally, with the investigation and appraisal of environmental problems due to natural/geological or/and industrial activity. In the context of the modern socio-economic setting, the course is designed to maintain a fairly high scientific and technical level and to generate trans-disciplinary knowledge and skills suitable for tackling basic (undergraduate level) theoretical and practical earth-scientific problems; these skills are also appreciated by contemporary employers and job markets.
Role and Contribution of Geophysical Sciences in the study of the lithosphere and the interior of the Earth; Formation, Structure and Composition of the Earth’s Interior:Formation and differentiation of the Planet. Shape, internal structure and composition. Distribution of temperature, pressure, density, mechanical and electrical properties in the interior of the Earth. Basic structure of the Earth’s core, mantle and crust; Heat of the Earth’s Interior:Origin, sources and distribution of heat. Natural radioactivity, distribution of radioactive elements and radioactive heating. Principles of heat diffusion and transfer, heat flow. Thermal convection in the Earth’s core and mantle – consequences for the structure, dynamics and evolution of the lithosphere and the surface of the Earth; Gravityand Gravity Exploration:Gravity potential and the gravity field of the Earth. Shape of the Earth: the geoid and the ellipsoid. Isostasy. The concept of a “gravity anomaly” and its application to the exploration of the interior of the Earth: measurements, processing, analysis and interpretation. Elements of Geodesy and introduction to Satellite Geodesy; Geomagnetism and Magnetic Exploration:Elements of the Earth’s magnetic field. Generation, changes and origin of changes in the Earth’s main magnetic field; external fieldsof magnetospheric, ionospheric and atmospheric origin;importance and consequences on the surface of the Planet. Field reversals and their utilization – elements of Paleomagnetism. The concept of “magnetic anomaly” and its application to the exploration of the Earth’s interior – measurements, analysis and interpretation; Elements of Geo-Electromagnetism:Electrical and magnetic properties of minerals and rocks. Electrical structure of the Earth. Natural EM fields (magnetospheric, ionospheric and atmospheric). Elements of EM theory: diffusion and propagation of EM waves in finite Earth structures and relevant Earth responsefunctions; Electromagnetic Exploration:Overview. Natural field exploration methods (Magnetotelluric, Magnetovariational/GDS). Elements of Controlled source exploration methods in the frequency and time domains. Data analysis and interpretation. Elements of Geoelectric exploration; Seismic Exploration:Stress and strain. Seismic wave propagation and attenuation. Seismic excitation sources. Seismic refraction and reflection methods.Seismic tomography. Measurements, processing, analysis and interpretation of seismic exploration data; Introduction to the Earth System. The physics Earth system and sub-systems and their interactions. The core – mantle – lithosphere system. The core – magnetosphere/ionosphere – lithosphere system. Crustal dynamic systems; Multi- and Trans-disciplinary geophysical investigation of the Earth’s interior – structural and geodynamic analysis with geophysical methods: Examples and applications.