Physics of the Earth

Code: FIS14148L

6 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours

Scientific Area: Physics

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese

Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Presentation

The UC provides the necessary knowledge to understand and characterize the Earth system. The contents are based on knowledge acquired in previous UC, showing students the continuity of teaching and the need to assimilate the fundamental bases to approach the field of applications.

Sustainable Development Goals

4. Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

Learning Goals

The "Physics of the Earth" intends the study of the physical properties, the dynamic and the structure of the Earth taking into account the space where it is inserted (Solar System) and the influence exerted by other celestial bodies, particularly the Sun and the Moon. The considered study will transmit knowledge on Physics applied to the study of the Earth, getting thus an example of a concrete interdisciplinary.

1) The Earth, planet of the solar system. 2) The shape of the Earth and the gravity field. 3) Introduction to Seismology. 4) Some comments about geophysical prospection. 5) Geomagnetism. 6) Introduction to paleomagnetism. 7) Introduction to the study of the heat flow from the Earth. 8) Composition and structure of the atmosphere and ocean. 9) Atmospheric thermodynamics. 10) Radiation. 11) Atmospheric and ocean circulation. 12) Climate and climate change.

Teaching Methods

The teaching is structured by means of lectures and problem-solving classes, where the conceptual and application skills are integrated, providing a learning environment where the student is encouraged to independently structure the resolution of specific problems and develop autonomy attitudes in sharing knowledge environments. In the lectures, are presented the contents of the syllabus and proposed some applications of such content; problem-solving classes, which are in conjunction with lectures, Will be proposed a series of problems to resolved.
The evaluation include two components: 1) the theoretical evaluation (T, 75%) and 2) the problem-solving assessment (TP, 25%). The evaluation may be taken or by performing two tests or by a final exam. There is also the possibility of conducting an supplementary examination.
The final grade (FG) will be the weighted average of the 2 components: FG = 0.75 * T + 0.25* TP

Teaching Staff

Mourad Bezzeghoud [responsible]