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Tomographic Imaging
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:36:07
Abstract
This course provides an overview on the most widely used seismological methods to image the Earth’s interior with a focus on crustal and upper-mantle structures. Topics include controlled source methods such as refraction and wide-angle reflection, as well as passive body-wave and surface-wave based methods. The course will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each method.
Objective
Understand the strengths and weaknesses of various active and passive tomographic methods to image the structure of the Earth.
Resources
Literature
-Stein, S., Wysession, M., & Stein, S. (Ed.) (2003). Introduction to Seismology, Earthquakes, and Earth Structure. Blackwell Publishing. -Lay, T. and T. C. Wallace, Modern Global Seismology, Academic Press, San Diego, 1995. A very basic seismology textbook. Chapters 2 through 4 provide a useful introduction to the contents of this course. -Menke, W., Geophysical Data Analysis: Discrete Inverse Theory, revised edition, Academic Press, San Diego, 1989. A very complete textbook on inverse theory in geophysics. -Press, W. H., S. A. Teukolsky, W. T. Vetterling and B. P. Flannery, Numerical Recipes, Cambridge University Press. The art of scientific computing. -Aki, K. and P. G. Richards, Quantitative Seismology, second edition, University Science Books, Sausalito, 2002. The most standard textbook in seismology, for grad students and advanced undergraduates. -Dahlen, F. A. and J. Tromp, Theoretical Global Seismology, Princeton University Press, Princeton, 1998. A very good book, suited for advanced graduate students with a strong math background. -Kennett B.L.N., The Seismic Wavefield. Volume I: Introduction and Theoretical Development (2001). Volume II: Interpretation of Seismograms on Regional and Global Scales (2002). Cambridge University Press. -Trefethen, L. N. and D. Bau III, Numerical Linear Algebra, Soc. for Ind. and Appl. Math., Philadelphia, 1997. A textbook on the numerical solution of large linear inverse problems, designed for advanced math undergraduates.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Tomographic Imaging
The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.
|
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Geophysics (Recommended combinations: Subject 1 + Subject 2 Subject 1 + Subject 3 Subject 2 + Subject 3 Subject 3 + Subject 4 Subject 5 + Subject 6 + Subject 8 Subject 4 + Subject 5 Subject 7 + Subject 8)
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Geophysics (Recommended combinations: Subject 2 + Subject 5 + Subject 6 + Subject 7 Subject 2 + Subject 4 + Subject 5 + Subject 6 + Subject 8 Subject 2 + Subject 5 + Subject 6 + (Subject 1 or Subject 3))
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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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