Course - Quantitative Geosystems - PG8707
PG8707 - Quantitative Geosystems
About
Examination arrangement
Examination arrangement: Oral examination
Grade: Passed / Not Passed
| Evaluation | Weighting | Duration | Grade deviation | Examination aids |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral examination | 100/100 | 1 hours |
Course content
The course covers classification and examples of geosystems at different scales from the inner core to the magnetosphere. It introduces and surveys several mathematical methods for describing and analyzing geosystems. A focus will be universal quantitative laws and differential equations governing interactions within and between geosystems.
Examples will be studied to understand the importance of process scales, and of scale-independent processes in geosystems through Fourier analysis and fractals.
The dynamics of geosystems will be studied covering a range of phenomena from phase transitions and Hopf bifurcations to chaotic behavior and catastrophy theory.
Further theoretical models and applications will be chosen from the topics of
- The representation of geosystems and the epistemological transition between forward modeling and inverse modeling.
- Specific problems of forward models in different geophysical systems from micromagnetics to plate tectonics.
- The statistical representation of geosystems based on Bayes theorem and logical inference.
A general question discussed throughout is the identification of the relevant parameters in geosystems and understanding the epistemological problem of predicting geosystems from earthquakes to climate. The final topics are the role of life in the global geosystem and the related concepts of self-organization and emergence.
Learning outcome
Students will acquire knowledge of the main types of differential equations used to describe and model quantitative geosystems. This will provide the ability to use mathematical tools to identify and model characteristic scales or fractal processes in geosystems.
The students will acquire knowledge of the Earth’s main spheres and geosystems in terms of their fundamental parameters and defining equations, and the ability to analyze the stability of geosystems and to identify chaotic behavior in systems of differential equations.
The course will give insight into the epistemological problems of geoscience relating to 1) statistical representation and inference, 2) the intrinsic assumptions of forward and inverse modeling, and 3) the resulting uncertainties of predicting system dynamics. Detailed modeling experience for at least one geosystem by either experimental or computational work will be acquired.
Learning methods and activities
The course will be taught according to direct agreement with the teacher if at least three students participate. The activities include lectures, laboratory work, seminars, and self-study.
Further on evaluation
To pass requires 70% (70 from 100 point).
Specific conditions
Admission to a programme of study is required:
Engineering (PHIV)
Required previous knowledge
The course requires either to be accepted as PhD student in engineering at NTNU or individual acceptance by the lecturer. A high level of mathematical and physical background is required: Calculus (up to partial differential equations), linear algebra, experimental and basic theoretical physics.
Course materials
Selected journal articles and textbooks.
No
Version: 1
Credits:
10.0 SP
Study level: Doctoral degree level
Term no.: 1
Teaching semester: AUTUMN 2023
Language of instruction: English
Location: Trondheim
- Petroleum Geosciences
Department with academic responsibility
Department of Geoscience and Petroleum
Examination
Examination arrangement: Oral examination
- Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
- Autumn ORD Oral examination 100/100
-
Room Building Number of candidates - Spring ORD Oral examination 100/100
-
Room Building Number of candidates
- * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"