Unit information: Global Seismology in 2018/19

Unit name	Global Seismology
Unit code	EASC30063
Credit points	10
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1A (weeks 1 - 6)
Unit director	Professor. Kendall
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Mandatory first and second year units of the BSc or MSci Geophysics programme
Co-requisites	n/a
School/department	School of Earth Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

This course covers basic concepts in seismic wave propagation and how this applies to the study of Earth structure.

The basic concepts include a derivation of the wave equation, ray theory, calculation of travel times and propagation distances, and the variation of amplitudes as waves propagate.

Next, a series of techniques are introduced to locate earthquakes, determine seismic wave speeds in the deep earth, estimate seismic anisotropy and to infer the types of movements that occur at plate boundaries.

Finally, we summarise what is known about the deep Earth from seismology, reviewing recent literature.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion you should be able to:

• Understand mechanisms that cause seismic anisotropy
• Use vector calculus to derive the wave equation and its solution for various wave types
• Calculate the path of a seismic wave through any material.
• Identify different seismic wave types in a seismogram.
• Identify different tectonic environments from focal mechanisms.
• Explain how seismology elucidates the structure of the Earth.
• Summarize theories for the structure of the mantle and the core.

Teaching Information

Lectures and practicals, including computer based exercises

Assessment Information

2 hour final exam (80%)

Coursework comprising 2 assessed practicals (10%)

Literature review, 2000 words (10%)

Reading and References

Essential

• Shearer, P. M., 2009, "Introduction to seismology (second ed.)" (Cambridge)

Recommended

• Stein, S. and Wysession, M., 2003, "Introduction to seismology, earthquakes and earth structure" (Blackwells)