Geophysics 210 - Physics of the Earth

Instructor

Dr. Mathieu Dumberry, Associate Professor

Office : CCIS 3-093
e-mail : dumberry@ualberta.ca
Tel : 492-3987

Course Website

e-class

Course Schedule
Classes
Mid-term exams
Final exam

CAB 235, Tuesday-Tursday, 11:00am -12:30pm

in class, date to be determined
2 hr, see Exam Schedule when published

Objectives of class
To learn the basic principles of geophysics and physics of the Earth.
Office hours
Office hours will be posted on the website.
Text books (not compulsory, but this is the source of most of the class material)
- Fundamentals of geophysics, W. Lowrie, Cambridge University Press, 2007
electronic version available at: http://app.knovel.com/web/toc.v/cid:kpFGE00004
- The Solid Earth, M. Fowler, Cambridge University Press, 2005
(On reserve at Cameron library)
Assignments
The assignments will be posted on the website consist of both essay and mathematical
derivations/problems. Assignments are due at 4:00 p.m. on the date they are requested.
The drop box for the assignments is located on level L2 of the CCIS building, in the
corridor in front the main set elevators (follow the direction L2-001 to L2-045).
Weighting
Assignments
Mid-term exam
Final exam

30%
30%
40%

Course outline
I. Plate Tectonics
Historical perspective, Ensemble of evidence supporting plate tectonics, How plate
tectonics is consistent with whole Earth geophysics. Basic principles of plate motion.
II. The Earth in the Solar System
Kepler's laws, Bode's law, The Planets and their characteristics

III. Gravity and Rotation of the Earth

Fundamentals of gravity, Size and mass of Earth, The Earths geoid, Rotational
dynamics, Tides, Gravity anomalies, Isostasy.
IV. Seismology and the Structure of the Earth
History of seismology, Simple elastic theory and seismic waves, Body waves,
Surface waves, Free oscillations, seismometers, Earthquakes and seismicity, The
velocity structure of the Earth, Seismic tomography.
V. Geomagnetism
History and physics of magnetism, Magnetic properties of Earth materials, Remnant
and induced magnetization, Origin of the Earth's magnetic field, The magnetosphere,
Paleomagnetism, Reversals of the Earth's magnetic field, Evidence for continental
drift
Statement on academic integrity
"The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity
and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding
academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students
are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of
Student Behaviour (online at www.ualberta.ca/secretariat/appeals.htm) and avoid any
behaviour which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism,
misrepresentation of facts and or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a
serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University." (GFC 29
SEP 2003)
Grading in Undergraduate Courses
Description
Letter Grade Grade Point Value
____________________________________________
Excellent
A+
4.0
A
4.0
A3.7
____________________________________________
Good
B+
3.3
B
3.0
B2.7
____________________________________________
Satisfactory
C+
2.3
C
2.0
C1.7
____________________________________________
Poor
D+
1.3
Minimal Pass
D
1.0
____________________________________________
Failure
F
0.0