Undergraduate Course: Geophysical Inverse Theory (EASC09038)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Course type | Standard |
Availability | Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 9 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Credits | 10 |
| Home subject area | Earth Science |
Other subject area | None |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | L1 Definition of the forward and inverse problem; how to specify models; continuous functions and parameterised models; examples of pairs of observables and physical properties on which they depend
L2-3 Over-constrained and underdetermined models; the least squares method
L4-5 The covariance matrix, errors and correlations
L6-7 Eigenvectors and eigenvalues; model resolution; fit to the data and information density matrix
L8-9 Damping; smoothing and the trade-off curve
L10-13 Examples
L14-15 Linearised methods and iteration
Computer Practicals
Least squares analysis of the Hawaiian-Emperor Chain age-distance data
Residual static shifts for land seismic surveying (including group working and presentation)
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Equivalent to University of Edinburgh Pre-requisites. Contact course secretary. |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? | Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
Students will be introduced to Geophysical Inverse Theory and develop an integrated understanding of the essential aspects of parameter estimation:
¿ A critical understanding of the distinctions between forward and inverse problems, linear and non-linear problems, and the relationships between data and model parameters
¿ Formulate and solve least square problems
¿ Understand how data uncertainties translate into uncertainties in model parameters; they will also know how and why to weight data by their uncertainties
¿ Have a critical understanding of why damping is often a good strategy, know how to do a damped inversion, and be able to explain the effect of damping on model parameter uncertainties and resolution
¿ Understand the eigenvector ¿ eigenvalue decomposition of an inverse problem, and know how the eigenvalue spectrum can be used to help choose an appropriate amount of damping to apply
¿ Know how to treat linearisable problems by an iterative inversion scheme. Through problem sheets, laboratory classes, tutorials and assessment
¿ Formulating, solving and interpreting algebraic and numerical, computer based problems
¿ Making formal and informal presentations on the main aspects of parameter estimation
¿ Applying effectively this knowledge gained to new scenarios |
Assessment Information
30% Practical (Hawaiian-Emperor Chain Practical 20%, Residual Statistics 10%)
70% 1.5 hour written exam |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | Geophysical_Inverse-Theory |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Prof Kathy Whaler
Tel: (0131 6)50 4904
Email: |
Course secretary | Ms Katie Galbraith
Tel: (0131 6)50 8510
Email: |
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