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103-0178-00L 6 Credits MSC D-ITET , D-BAUG , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ERDW
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Geodetic Earth Monitoring

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Benedikt Soja, Dr. Matthias Schartner, Dr. Laura Crocetti
VVZ CR 3.8

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:34

Abstract

The three pillars of geodesy, i.e. the geometry, rotation and gravity field of the Earth contribute to Earth system monitoring and will be considered here. 1) Earth rotation: theory, estimation and interpretation; 2) Gravity field: satellite missions, theory, estimation and interpretation; 3) Geodynamics (geometry): plate tectonics, earthquake cycle, isostasy and uplift rates.

Objective

Understand the basics of Earth rotation and gravity field theory, with what type of methods they are determined and what they contribute to monitoring the Earth system. Get familiar with the major geodynamic processes within the crust and mantle and how they are being observed and monitored.

Content

Part 1: Earth rotation - Kinematics of a solid body - Dynamic Eulerian equations of Earth rotation - Kinematic Eulerian equations of Earth rotation - Free rotation of the flattened Earth - Influence of Sun and Moon, Precession, Nutation - Earth as an elastic body - Determination of Earth rotation parameters - Mass distribution and mass transport affecting Earth rotation Part 2: Gravity field - Satellite missions - Gravity field determination from satellite data - Geoid computation from terrestrial data - Combination of satellite and terrestrial gravity fields - Precision of geoid computations - Mass distribution and transport affecting the Earth gravity field Part 3: Geodynamics: - Plate tectonics theory: including ocean bottom floor magnetism Curie temperature, age of the ocean bottom floor - Notions on crust material (oceanic/continental) - Concepts of mantle plumes, mantle convection and mantle flow and evidences supporting them - Earthquake cycle: elastic rebound theory, strain and stress measurements and measurements in the field during inter-, co- and post-seismic periods - Isostasy and strength models - Surface uplift rate applied to continental crust, volcanism, eroded areas.

Resources

Lecture Notes

A script and slides will be made available

Literature

Beutler G., Methods of Celestial Mechanics. II: Application to Planetary System, Geodynamics and Satellite Geodesy, Springer, ISBN 3-540-40750-2, 2005. Hofmann-Wellenhof B. and Moritz H., Physical Geodesy, Springer, ISBN 13-978-3-211-33544-4, 2005/2006. Fowler C.M.R., The Solid Earth: An Introduction to Global Geophysics, Cambridge Univ. Press, ISBN 0-521-38590-3, 2005.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes
The exercises will be graded and count as compulsory performance assessment 20% of the final mark. It is not required to pass the exercises to pass the whole course.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Geodetic Earth Monitoring
  • Thu 09:45-11:30 (HIL E 5)
  • Fri 09:45-11:30 (HIL D 60.1)
4 h weekly

Offered In