Geodynamics and Plate Tectonic Processes

Objectives:
Computer programming is a core skill for geophysicists. The overall goal of this course is to provide the students with a good understanding of computational geodynamics. A first goal of this course is to provide the students with an good understanding and programming kills in computational geodynamics. A second goal of this course is for the students to learn how to implement and use finite element techniques to solve problems in lithosphere dynamics.

Content:
In this course the students will learn a number of tools from numerical mathematics, including interpolation, integration, and solving simple partial differential equations using finite element techniques and write computer programs (in Matlab) that apply these methods on topics in geodynamics. These topics include thermal diffusion, elasticity and computational fluid dynamics applied to lithosphere deformation. The student will write a short report including a description of the model, the code implementation and with figures visualising their results.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge
The student

• Understands various issues related to computer programming (including computer programming style and debugging)
• Has a good basic understanding of fundamental concepts in numerical methods (such as finite element solution in 1D/2D of various differential equations and code verification)
• Can discuss and apply these numerical methods to specific problems in computational geodynamics (as found, for example in tectonics, heat diffusion, and surface processes).
• Can use tools from the library as well as online tools for this project in computational geodynamics.

Skills
The student

• Can write computer programs in Matlab to illustrate and solve scientific problems in geodynamics.
• Can write a short scientific report on a topic of relevance in computational geodynamics.
• Can give a presentation on this topic in computational geodynamics to peers and experts.

General competence
The student

• Can write computer programs of relevance in geodynamics.
• Has knowledge of the importance of computational geodynamics in academia.
• Can do an independent research project in the area of computational geodynamics.
• Is able to participate in a discussion on a research topic in computational geodynamics.

Every second spring, uneven number years. The course runs only if enough students enrol