Course detail

Physical Geodesy

FAST-IE53Acad. year: 2022/2023

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.

Guarantor

prof. Ing. Viliam Vatrt, DrSc.

Department

Institute of Geodesy (GED)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Students will study the basic principles of physical geodesy, geopotential models and satellite methods for their creation.

Prerequisites

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

Co-requisites

The student should have advanced knowledge of physics and mathematics and completion of the course in the master's degree program.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

In lectures or consultations, information from conferences will be regularly included, in addition to news from the field of the subject, news and development perspectives.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

The verification of knowledge and skills will take place in consultations with verification of knowledge. The exam is carried out in the form of a test, both in writing and orally. Evaluation is carried out according to valid principles with a set scale of evaluation.

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

Work placements are organized with the aim of sending the student to institutions or schools that have a similar/identical professional focus and where the student's professional skills and scientific abilities will be effectively developed.

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

Survey of the possibilities of applying knowledge gained in teaching and exercises in applications in companies, institutions, schools, research and development workplaces.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

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

Recommended reading

Burša, M - Kostelecký, J.: Space Geodesy and Space Geodynamics. Ministry of Defence CR, 1999. (EN)

Burša, M.: Geopotenciál, teoretické základy a modely. Učebnice, díl I, Geografická služba AČR, 2004.

(CS)

Burša, M., Vatrt, V., Vojtíšková, M.: Geopotenciál, díl II, Modely a jejich využití v praxi, Geografická služba AČR, 2012. 

(CS)
Hofmann-Wellenhof, B. - Moritz, H.: Physical geodesy. Springer, 2005. (EN)
Pick, M.: Advanced Physical Geodesy and Gravimetry. Ministry of Defence CR, 2000. (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme D-K-C-GK Doctoral

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

  • Programme D-P-C-GK Doctoral

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

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

39 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Ing. Viliam Vatrt, DrSc.

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.