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651-4013-00L 3 Credits MSC D-ITET , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ERDW

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Potential Field Theory

Lecturers & Examiners: PD Dr. Amir Khan, Dr. Anna Mittelholz

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:30

Abstract

The course will guide students in learning about the capabilities and limitations of potential field data, namely gravity and magnetic measurements as collected by industry, in determining geological sources.It will follow a mathematical approach, and students will learn to apply mathematical strategies to generate quantitative answers to geophysical questions.

Objective

The course will guide students in learning about the capabilities and limitations of potential field data, namely gravity and magnetic measurements as collected by industry, in determining geological sources. It will follow a mathematical approach, and students will learn to apply mathematical strategies to generate quantitative answers to geophysical questions.

Content

Part I: Concept of work & energy, conservative fields, the Newtonian potential, Laplace's and Poisson's equation, solutions in Cartesian/spherical geometry, the Geoid, gravity instrumentation, field data processing, depth rules for isolated bodies, Fourier methods. Part II: Magnetic potential, dipole and current loops, distributed magnetization, remanent and induced magnetization, nonuniqueness & ``annihilators'', field data processing, magnetic instrumentation, anomalies from total field data, reduction to the pole, statistical methods. Part III: Applicability to DC electrical methods: resistivity sounding.

Resources

Literature

R. J. Blakeley, Potential Theory in Gravity and Magnetic Applications, Cambridge University Press, 1995.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Performance grading depends on both homeworks that are set weekly and also formal examination (no learning materials).

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Potential Field Theory	Wed 14:15-16:00 (NO E 51.1)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Erdwissenschaften Master
- Vertiefung in Geophysics
  - Pflichtmodule Geophysics
    - Geophysical Methods II
Space Systems Master
- Fachspezifische Vertiefung (Es müssen mindestens 20 KP aus den Deep Track Lerneinheiten absolviert werden. Überzählige KP können für Wahlfächer angerechnet werden.)
  - Planetary Science
    - Vertiefungsfächer Planetary Science (Diese LE's können sowohl als Vertiefungsfach als auch als Wahlfach angerechnet werden.)