• Level of study

    BAC +1

  • ECTS

    4 credits

  • Component

    Faculty of Science

Description

The UE introduces the notion and the implementation of experimental studies in Earth sciences, from instrumental measurements in the field to quantitative analysis, modeling and interpretation of the acquired data. In practice, the UE is based on a physical measurement method, gravimetry, applied to the Earth's dynamics. A part of the experiments carried out in the field is focused on the global terrestrial structure (measurement of g and its vertical gradient for the determination of the mass) and its dynamics (elastic deformation by tidal phenomenon). A second part is dedicated to local imaging of the subsurface in relation to water resources (imaging and mass balance in relation to subsurface water storage). An important part of the course is dedicated to the analysis of the measurements and their modeling.

Hourly volumes:

  • CM : 12 h
  • TD : 12 h
  • TP : 6 h
  • Field : 6 h
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Objectives

Presentation and simple application of quantitative and explicit approaches in the Earth and environmental sciences:

  • Field measurements
  • Numerical data analysis
  • Principles of physics associated with earth dynamics
  • Introduction to equations and numerical modeling

 

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Necessary pre-requisites

Recommended prerequisite: 

Mathematics, physics at high school level

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Knowledge control

Continuous assessment (TD reports, written exams)

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Syllabus

Synthetic description of the concepts covered in CM:

  • The experimental approach (1.5h)
  • Introduction to data analysis: precision, uncertainty, resolution (1.5h)
  • Physical principles and measurements in gravimetry (3h)
  • Physical principles associated with terrestrial dynamics (physical characteristics of the Earth, tidal phenomena and associated deformations, hydrology, etc.) (3h) Physical principles associated with the storage and balance of water resources in terrestrial reservoirs (3h)

 

Synthetic description of the TD sessions and number of hours associated with each session

  • Mathematical relations between g-gradient and Earth mass (1.5h)
  • Calculation of the gravimetric effect of a water layer (1.5h)
  • Data Analysis - Solid Earth Experiment (4.5h)
  • Data analysis - Water experiment (4.5h)

 

Summary descriptions of the practical sessions and the number of hours associated with each session

  • Preparation for the Solid Earth Experiment (operating mode, measuring apparatus, model...) (3h)
  • Preparation for the Water Experiment (operating mode, measuring apparatus, model...) (3h)

 

Description of the themes/manipulations addressed during your field trip(s) and details of the destinations/sites

  • Dynamics of the globe (solid Earth) = measurements of g and vertical gradient of g related to the structure of the Earth (dg/dz measurement => mass of the Earth) and its dynamics (solid tides, elastic deformation, ...) on the FdS experimental site (under construction). (3h)
  • Subsurface imaging in relation to water resources = measurement of g and its temporal variations in relation to the water balance at the FdS experimental site (under construction). (3h)
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