The course is an introduction to physics of the solid Earth intended for students with substantial background in physics and mathematics including calculus. The course will provide an overview of the structure and evolution of the Earth as a dynamic planet within our solar system. Physical principles will be applied to the satellite-based measurements of geophysical changes on the Earth as a result of a changing climate; surface displacements and the gravity field; the interpretation of gravity anomalies; introduction to the theory of elasticity and wave equation; modern global seismology as a probe of the Earth's internal structure;earthquakes and the description of seismic sources; thermoelastic properties of geological materials and the interpretation of seismological models; rheology and geodynamics; the Earth's thermal regime and modes of convection within the Earth's mantle.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Discuss how space-geodetic techniques are used to study the Earth and explain and debate observational evidence for climate-driven changes in sea level and continental ice sheets.
2. Discuss the theoretical basis for modern global seismology and employ methods based on such theory to understand earthquake phenomena and the seismological probing of earth structure.
3. Explain key aspects of the physical behaviour of minerals and rocks under the pressure-temperature conditions of the Earth's interior and use such understanding in the interpretation of seismological models of earth structure and in the analysis of geodynamic phenomena including mantle convection and plate tectonics.

Assessment will be based on:

• Assignment (10%; LO 1) and oral presentation (7%; LO 1)
• Assignment and lab report (equal weighting, 17% total; LO 2)
• Assignment and lab report (equal weighting, 17% total, LO 3)
• Final exam (49%; LO1-3)

MATH1013/1115 and MATH1014/1116, PHYS1101, PHYS1201.