1. komponenta

Lecture type	Total
Lectures	30
Exercises	15

* Load is given in academic hour (1 academic hour = 45 minutes)

COURSE GOALS: Obtain fundamental knowledge on physical processes in the atmosphere and the Earth interior. Comprehend their importance for the education in some important issues, like the earthquake protection, the greenhouse effect and the climate change. Acquire knowledge on physical properties and understand the governing processes. Learn observational techniques and methods for the analysis of the parameters that describe the physical state of the Earth.

LEARNING OUTCOMES AT THE LEVEL OF THE PROGRAMME:
1. KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
1.1. demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of the most important physics theories (logical and mathematical structure, experimental support, described physical phenomena);
2. APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
2.1. identify and describe important aspects of a particular physical phenomenon or problem;
4. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
4.2. present complex ideas clearly and concisely;

LEARNING OUTCOMES SPECIFIC FOR THE COURSE:
Upon passing the course on Physics of Earth and atmosphere, the student will be able to:
* describe the structure of the atmosphere
* relate general physical principles to processes in the atmosphere
* classify and describe various motions in the atmosphere
* apply the acquired knowledge in solving simple problems
* explicate the importance of some geophysical processes and phenomena for everyday life (e.g. global warming, earthquakes).

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Lectures per weeks (15 weeks in total):
1. Structure of the atmosphere, Radiation balance
2. Hydrological cycle, Classification and cloud generation
3. The state equation, Hydrostatic balance
4. Adiabatic processes, static stability
5. Forces in geophysivcal fluid, primitive equations
6. Geostrophic and gradient motion
7. General, synoptic-scale, regional and local circulation
8. Mid-term exam
9. Structure of the Earth. Determination of the physical properties of the Earth's interior
10. Seismic waves
11. Ray equation. Determination of travel time of seismic waves
12. Seismicity. Quantification of earthquakes (magnitude scales, seismic moment, seismic energy and magnitude, macroseismic intensity)
13. Earthquakes and plate tectonics
14. Gravity and figure of the Earth
15. Earth's magnetic field. Geomagnetic elements.

REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS:
Attendance at lectures and exercises.

GRADING AND ASSESSING THE WORK OF STUDENTS:
One mid-term exam, written exam. Students who pass the mid-term exam are exempted from the written exam. Obligatory final oral exam.

1. Shearer, P.M.: Introduction to Seismology, University Press, Cambridge, 1999.
2. Garland, G.D.: Introduction to geophysics, W.B. Saunders Co., Toronto, 1979.
3. Moran, J. M., Morgan M. D.: Meteorology. McMillan Publ. Company, New York 1989.

Enrollment :
Passed : Fundamentals of Physics 4

Izborni predmeti - Regular study - Physics Education