4. Fundamental Physics of the Solid Earth

In the module Introduction to Seismology and Volcanology the student acquires an understanding of some of the basic concepts of the solid Earth’s dynamics with special focus on earthquakes and volcanoes and their physical observables. The module enables students to comprehend the physical processes that are responsible for the generation of earthquakes and of volcanic eruptions, the main characteristics of the measurable deformations induced by earthquakes on the Earth’s free surface, the main properties of the volcanic eruptions. An overview on the physics of the generation of other hazards connected to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, such as landslides and tsunamis, will be given at the end of the module.

The main topics covered by the module are:

• generalities on the internal structure of the Earth and on plate tectonics;
• the seismic source and its representation;
• deformations of the Earth’s surface induced by earthquakes: co-seismic and post-seismic deformations;
• phenomenology of volcanism: volcanism on the Earth and on other planets in the Solar System, types of eruption on Earth and associated energy;
• genesis and properties of magma, mechanics of magma ascent and its measurable physical properties (composition of the gas emissions, thermal properties, change in shape of the volcanic edifice);
• other hazards possibly connected to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions: landslides and tsunamis.

In the module Introduction to Satellite Geodesy, the student acquires an understanding of some of the basic concepts related to the geometric shape and dimension of the Earth and its gravity and magnetic fields. The module enables students to comprehend the physical concepts underlying the definition of reference surfaces, as the geoid and the reference ellipsoid, and of the coordinate systems, the origin and properties of the Earth’s gravity and magnetic fields.

The main topics covered by the module are:

• Introduction to Geodesy
• Geometrical geodesy: the reference and coordinate systems, measurements of the position of points on the Earth surface and its change over time (GNSS techniques)
• Physical Geodesy: origin of the gravity field, definition of the gravity anomalies, its observation by satellite (CHAMP, GRACE and GOCE satellite missions)
• The terrestrial magnetic field and its measurement by satellite (Swarm mission).