Course detail

Physical Geodesy

FAST-IE53Acad. year: 2020/2021

Fundamentals of gravity potential theory Gravity potential of a general body in outer potential point. Spherical harmonic functions and Legendre´s functions. Poisson´s equation, Laplace´s equation and some of the solutions. Field of centrifugal force of the rotating Earth. Field of tidal forces. Earth´s gravity field. Gravity potential level surfaces of gravity potential. Fundamentals of theory of heights. Stokes´ parameters and their determination. Normal gravity and gravity force field of level spheroids. Earth´s normal gravity field. Measurement of fundamental gravity field parameters. Statistical methods of physical geodesy. Interpolation and extrapolation of gravity anomalies. Modern methods for determination of the Earth´s shape. Fundamentals of Earth´s composition, tidal phemomena, local and regional geodynamics. Earth´s magnetic and thermal field.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

7

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Department

Institute of Geodesy (GED)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Not applicable.

Prerequisites

Advanced methods of mathematical analysis. Fundamental principles of geophysics and astronomy. Fundamentals of gravitational theory.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Not applicable.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Not applicable.

Course curriculum

1. Gravity potential theory. Spherical harmonic functions and Legendre´s functions. Poisson´s equation, Laplace´s equation and some of the solutions.
2. Field of centrifugal force of the rotating Earth. Field of tidal forces. Earth´s gravity field. Gravity potential level surfaces of gravity potential.
3. Theory of heights. Stokes´ parameters and their determination. Normal gravity and gravity force field of level spheroids.
4. Earth´s normal gravity field. Measurement of fundamental gravity field parameters.
5. Statistical methods of physical geodesy. Interpolation and extrapolation of gravity anomalies. Modern methods for determination of the Earth´s shape.
6. Earth´s composition, tidal phemomena, local and regional geodynamics. Earth´s magnetic and thermal field.

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

Gettin detailed knowledge of Earth´s gravity field and its mathematical decription. Understanding the theory of gravity potential and theory of heights. Acquaintance with modern methods of Earth´s shape determination, with Earth´s composition and the geophysical parameters.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

Extent and forms are specified by guarantor’s regulation updated for every academic year.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Hofmann-Wellenhof, B. , Moritz, H.: Physical geodesy. Springer, 2005. (EN)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme D-P-C-GK Doctoral

    branch GAK , 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional

  • Programme D-K-C-GK Doctoral

    branch GAK , 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

39 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1. Gravity potential theory. Spherical harmonic functions and Legendre´s functions. Poisson´s equation, Laplace´s equation and some of the solutions. 2. Field of centrifugal force of the rotating Earth. Field of tidal forces. Earth´s gravity field. Gravity potential level surfaces of gravity potential. 3. Theory of heights. Stokes´ parameters and their determination. Normal gravity and gravity force field of level spheroids. 4. Earth´s normal gravity field. Measurement of fundamental gravity field parameters. 5. Statistical methods of physical geodesy. Interpolation and extrapolation of gravity anomalies. Modern methods for determination of the Earth´s shape. 6. Earth´s composition, tidal phemomena, local and regional geodynamics. Earth´s magnetic and thermal field.