APPLIED PHYSICS TO THE EARTH

The course is aimed at providing the student the basic knowledge and the state of the art of the knowledge in Earth Physics: knowledge of the methods used to investigate the earth interior; knowledge of the earthquake focal mechanisms and of the mechanisms that give origin to an eruptive event; knowledge of the concept of gravity field and magnetic field and their origin.

knowledge and understanding.

Critical understanding of the main physical phenomena responsible for geodynamic events. Understanding of the methods of investigation of the fundamental physical mechanisms that take place in the earth's crust.

Applying knowledge and understanding

Ability to distinguish different seismic signals. Ability to use the analogy tool to apply solutions to new problems (problem solving), in different geophysical contexts, based on the knowledge acquired in the field of physics applied to the earth system.

Communication skills

Communication skills in the field of Earth Physics.

Learning skills

Acquisition of adequate cognitive tools for the continuous updating of knowledge and the ability to access specialized literature both in the field of geophysics and in scientifically close fields.

classroom lessons

Internal structure of the Earth: the core, mantle, crust. Earth Composition. Outline of tectonic structures: folds, faults, fractures, Margins, Hot spot. Plaques dynamics. The age of the earth: isotopic dating. Geophysics applied to the study of the Earth constitution : Earth rotation; Gravity field, geoid, gravity, theory of the isostasy, Earth's magnetic field, Paleomagnetism and rock magnetism. Geothermal: Geothermal energy and possible applications. Seismology: Fracturing of the rock, earthquakes focal mechanisms, seismic characteristics of the Mediterranean, geometric parameters of an earthquake, earthquake Localization, Intensity scales, Seismic risk, Precursors. Volcanic Activity: Seismicity in volcanic areas, tectonic and volcanic earthquakes, volcanic tremor, Etna.

• Paolo Gasparini, Marta S.M. Mantovani “Fisica della terra solida” Liguoi editore
• G. Sarà: Ingegneria antisismica – Liguori editore