Course detail

Physical Geodesy

FAST-DEB058Acad. year: 2021/2022

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. Practical applications of physical geodesy application in global view.

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

Fundamental principles of geophysics, astronomy and gravitational theory at the level of bachelor´s and master´s degree.

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. Modern methods for determination of the Earth´s shape.
6. Tidal phenomena, local and regional geodynamics. Earth´s magnetic and thermal field.
7. Practical applications of physical geodesy methods.

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

Not applicable.

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

Not applicable.

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme DPA-GK Doctoral, 1. year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme DKC-GK Doctoral, 1. year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme DKA-GK Doctoral, 1. year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme DPC-GK Doctoral, 1. year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

39 hours, 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. Modern methods for determination of the Earth´s shape. 6. Tidal phenomena, local and regional geodynamics. Earth´s magnetic and thermal field. 7. Practical applications of physical geodesy methods.