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Exploration and Environmental Geophysics
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:42
Abstract
Application of mathematical methods to problems in the (geo)physical sciences. Through exercises, the students learn to apply new and previously acquired mathematical skills, deriving many of the key results themselves. The course focuses on Wavefield methods (Seismics and Georadar), and Potential field methods (Gravity and Magnetics), as well as on Basic reflection imaging.
Objective
Students learn to apply mathematical methods to (geo)physical problems. By applying the methods across a broad range of physical problems, they get comfortable applying these techniques to new problems, leveraging the gained mathematical and physical insights. After the course, students can independently make connections between different areas of physics, based on their shared mathematics, and should have a thorough understanding of the most important geophysical methods, including Wavefield methods (Seismic and Georadar), Potential field methods (Gravity and Magnetics) and Basic reflection imaging.
Content
Comprehensive tour of the mathematical knowledge and techniques needed by (geo)physics students / students of the physical sciences. Revisiting key topics and techniques, such as: Linear algebra, Singular Value Decomposition, Fourier analysis, Discrete Fourier Transform, Dirac delta functions, Analytic functions, Complex integration, and Green’s functions and their applications: Sampling theory, Linear filtering, Representation Theorems, Wavefield methods (Seismics and Georadar) and Potential field methods (Gravity and Magnetics) and Basic reflection imaging.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Available through Moodle / eDoz.Additional material will be provided by the lecturers.
Literature
Snieder, Roel, and Kasper Van Wijk. A guided tour of mathematical methods for the physical sciences. Cambridge University Press, 2015.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Exploration and Environmental Geophysics | No time listed | 3 h weekly |
Offered In
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Major: Geology and Geophysics (Advisors of the major in Geology and Geophysics are Dr. Vincenzo Picotti (Geology) and Dr. Andrea Zunino (Geophysics).)
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Electives (Courses can be chosen from the complete offerings of the ETH Zurich and University of Zurich (according to prior agreement with the subject advisor).)
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