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651-4006-00L 3 Credits BSC , MSC D-ITET , D-ERDW , D-MAVT , D-MATH , D-PHYS

Seismic Waves I

This spring course (FS) will move to fall (HS), as of fall 2025.

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-27 01:04:59

Abstract

Brief review of continuum mechanics and the seismic wave equation; P and S waves; reciprocity and representation theorems; eikonal equation and ray tracing; Huygens and Fresnel; surface-waves; normal-modes; seismic interferometry and noise; numerical solutions.

Objective

After taking this course, students will have the background knowledge necessary to start an original research project in quantitative seismology.

Resources

Literature

Shearer, P., Introduction to Seismology, Cambridge University Press, 1999. Aki, K. and P. G. Richards, Quantitative Seismology, second edition, University Science Books, Sausalito, 2002. Nolet, G., A Breviary of Seismic Tomography, Cambridge University Press, 2008.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Performance metric to 50% final exam, 50% exercises

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Seismic Waves I	Thu 09:15-12:00 (NO D 11)	3 h weekly

Offered In

Computational Science and Engineering Bachelor
- Fields of Specialization
  - 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)
    - Geophysics: Subject 6
Earth and Climate Sciences Bachelor
- Majors
  - Major: Geology and Geophysics (Advisors of the major in Geology and Geophysics are Dr. Vincenzo Picotti (Geology) and Dr. Andrea Zunino (Geophysics).)
    - Electives (Additional courses can be chosen from the complete offerings of the ETH Zurich and University of Zurich. The following elective courses are strongly recommended for students interested in the "Space Systems" focus: - 701-0106-00L Mathematik V: Angewandte Vertiefung von Mathematik I - III)
Computational Science and Engineering Master
- Fields of Specialization
  - 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))
    - Geophysics: Subject 6
Earth Sciences Master
- Major in Geophysics
  - Restricted Choice Modules Geophysics
    - Seismology
Space Systems Master
- Deep Track Courses (At least 20 credits must be completed within the deep track courses. Surplus credit points can be counted towards the electives.)
  - Planetary Science
    - Deep Track Planetary Science (These courses can be credited either as a specialization subject or as an elective subject.)