Course Details

Physical Geodesy

Academic Year 2023/24

IE53 course is part of 1 study plan

​ D-K-C-GK / GAK Summer Semester 1st year

Fundamentals of gravity potential theory Gravity potential of a general body in outer potential point. Spherical harmonic functions and Legendre´s functions. Poisson´s equation, Laplace´s equation and some of the solutions. Field of centrifugal force of the rotating Earth. Field of tidal forces. Earth´s gravity field. Gravity potential level surfaces of gravity potential. Fundamentals of theory of heights. Stokes´ parameters and their determination. Normal gravity and gravity force field of level spheroids. Earth´s normal gravity field. Measurement of fundamental gravity field parameters. Statistical methods of physical geodesy. Interpolation and extrapolation of gravity anomalies. Modern methods for determination of the Earth´s shape. Fundamentals of Earth´s composition, tidal phemomena, local and regional geodynamics. Earth´s magnetic and thermal field.

Credits

7 credits

Language of instruction

Czech

Semester

summer

Course Guarantor

prof. Ing. Viliam Vatrt, DrSc.

Institute

Institute of Geodesy

Forms and criteria of assessment

examination

Entry Knowledge

Advanced methods of mathematical analysis. Fundamental principles of geophysics and astronomy. Fundamentals of gravitational theory.

Aims

Gettin detailed knowledge of Earth´s gravity field and its mathematical decription. Understanding the theory of gravity potential and theory of heights. Acquaintance with modern methods of Earth´s shape determination, with Earth´s composition and the geophysical parameters.

Students will study the basic principles of physical geodesy, geopotential models and satellite methods for their creation.

Basic Literature

Hofmann-Wellenhof, B. , Moritz, H.: Physical geodesy. Springer, 2005. (en)

Recommended Reading

Burša, M - Kostelecký, J.: Space Geodesy and Space Geodynamics. Ministry of Defence CR, 1999. (en)
Burša, M.: Geopotenciál, teoretické základy a modely. Učebnice, díl I, Geografická služba AČR, 2004. (cs)
Burša, M., Vatrt, V., Vojtíšková, M.: Geopotenciál, díl II, Modely a jejich využití v praxi, Geografická služba AČR, 2012.  (cs)
Hofmann-Wellenhof, B. - Moritz, H.: Physical geodesy. Springer, 2005. (en)
Pick, M.: Advanced Physical Geodesy and Gravimetry. Ministry of Defence CR, 2000. (en)

Syllabus

1. Gravity potential theory. Spherical harmonic functions and Legendre´s functions. Poisson´s equation, Laplace´s equation and some of the solutions.
2. Field of centrifugal force of the rotating Earth. Field of tidal forces. Earth´s gravity field. Gravity potential level surfaces of gravity potential.
3. Theory of heights. Stokes´ parameters and their determination. Normal gravity and gravity force field of level spheroids.
4. Earth´s normal gravity field. Measurement of fundamental gravity field parameters.
5. Modern methods for determination of the Earth´s shape.
6. Tidal phenomena, local and regional geodynamics. Earth´s magnetic and thermal field.
7. Practical applications of physical geodesy methods.

Prerequisites

Advanced methods of mathematical analysis. Fundamental principles of geophysics and astronomy. Fundamentals of gravitational theory.

Specification of controlled instruction, the form of instruction, and the form of compensation of the absences

Extent and forms are specified by guarantor’s regulation updated for every academic year.

Offered to foreign students

Not to offer

Course on BUT site

https://www.vut.cz/en/students/courses/detail/271479

Lecture

13 weeks, 3 hours/week, elective

Syllabus

1. Gravity potential theory. Spherical harmonic functions and Legendre´s functions. Poisson´s equation, Laplace´s equation and some of the solutions.
2. Field of centrifugal force of the rotating Earth. Field of tidal forces. Earth´s gravity field. Gravity potential level surfaces of gravity potential.
3. Theory of heights. Stokes´ parameters and their determination. Normal gravity and gravity force field of level spheroids.
4. Earth´s normal gravity field. Measurement of fundamental gravity field parameters.
5. Statistical methods of physical geodesy. Interpolation and extrapolation of gravity anomalies. Modern methods for determination of the Earth´s shape.
6. Earth´s composition, tidal phemomena, local and regional geodynamics. Earth´s magnetic and thermal field.