Course content

Potential theory, Geodetic Boundary Value Problem, Stokes-Helmert method of geoid computation, Kernel modification in Stokes's integral, Topographic corrections with integral formulas and spherical harmonic procedure, Atmospheric corrections, Global gravity models, Gravity field parameter computations and recent developments in research within physical geodesy.

Learning outcome

Learning objective: After completing the course the candidate shall have an in-depth understanding of Earth’s gravity field and its parameters. Knowledge: After completing the course, the candidate shall have knowledge about how Earth’s gravity fields affects objects and measurements made on and above Earth’s surface, knowledge of methods and techniques for Erath’s gravity field determination, especially satellite gravity field modeling, knowledge of Earth’s gravity field parameters computations, analysis of the results and their applications in Oceanography, Geophysics, Marine and climate change studies. Skills: After completing the course, the candidate shall be able to perform geoid model computations including its sophisticated correction terms, be able to calculate other parameters of Earth’s gravity fields including analysis and interpretation of the results, be able to combine terrestrial and satellite gravity models, be able to use the Earth’s gravity field parameters, like geoid, within other disciplines like Oceanography and Geophysics. General competence: After completing the course, the candidate shall have obtained ability to work independently and in a team towards relevant research front in Physical Geodesy, ability to identify the physical geodesy’s interface and relation with other related disciplines, ability to understand the international perspective of Physical geodesy and be able to cooperate internationally.

Learning methods and activities

The course will be given as conducted self-tuition, with one project which should be approved before exam.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercise

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Physical Geodesy or equivalent (some knowledge of Earth's gravity field and potential theory).

Required previous knowledge

Master in geomatics. TBA4565 Geomatics, specialization course and TBA4245 GPS and Geodesy course or equivalent. The course will be run if at least 3 students with relevant background wish to attend. If you wish to attend, please contact the course coordinator. Students not admitted to the PhD programme in engineering may be approved by the course coordinator. If so, once you have the course coordinator's written approval to sign up, forward it to the PhD coordinator, maren.grimstad@ntnu.no, and she will sign you up.

Course materials

Heiskanen and Moritz (1967) Physical Geodesy. Moritz (1980) Advanced Physical Geodesy. Nahavandchi (2001) Physical Geodesy. Recent Articles.