Geodesy and Models of Geophysics

Provide knowledge and skills in the field of geodesy with particular reference to satellite and terrestrial geodetic measurements, and to gravimetric measurements. The physical knowledge necessary for the study of ground deformations in a tectonic and volcanic environment, and for the modeling of the relative sources will also be provided.

Frontal lessons.

 If the teaching is given in mixed or remote mode, the necessary changes may be introduced, in order to respect the program envisaged and reported in the syllabus.

Mandatory.

Introduction: definition, objectives and history of geodesy.

Reference systems: basic units, time reference systems, space reference systems, celestial, terrestrial and local reference systems, datum transformation.

Earth shape: introductory concepts, gravity, geoid, ellipsoid, height systems, temporal variations of gravity.

Methods of measurement: atmospheric refraction, satellite observations, geodetic astronomy, gravimetry, terrestrial geodetic measurements.

Projections: overview, cylindrical, planar, conic, Tissot's indicatrix, projection parameters, most common projections, how to choose a map.

Structure and dynamics of the Earth: the geophysical Earth model, isostasy, plate tectonics, interpretation on the gravity field, geodesy and recent geodynamics.

Models of ground deformation sources: point source, pipes, spheroidal pressure sources, tensile dislocations, shear dislocations.

1.      Müller Jürgen, Torge Wolfgang (2012). Geodesy. De Gruyter Editor, ISBN: 9783110250008, 444 pages.

2.      Zhiping Lu, Yunying Qu, Shubo Qiao (2014). Geodesy - Introduction to Geodetic Datum and Geodetic Systems. Springer-Verlag Editor, ISBN 978-3-642-41245-5, 401 pages.

3.      Thomas Herring (2015). Treatise on Geophysics - Geodesy. Vol.3. Elsevier Editor, ISBN 9780444535795, 410 pages.

4.      Daniel Dzurisin (2001). Volcano Deformation. Springer. 441 pages.

5.      Lecture notes.

The exam consists of an oral test of about 30 minutes aimed at ascertaining the level of knowledge and understanding reached by the student on the theoretical and methodological contents indicated in the program. Students will be able to begin the exam with the presentation of a topic of their choice.

Verification of learning can also be carried out remotely, should the conditions require it.

What are the techniques applied for the study of geodesy?

What is the geoid and how do you get the geoid equation?

What are the differences between cylindrical, planar and conical projections?

How do satellite-type geodetic techniques and in particular GPS work?

What are the tools for measuring gravitational acceleration?

Differences between absolute and relative gravity measures.

Differences between geoid and ellipsoid.

Temporal variations of the earth's rotation motion.

What are Tissot indicators?

What are the main sources of ground deformation in a volcanic environment?