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Research School of Earth Sciences · ANU College of Science and Medicine
Changes in Earth's temperature cause changes in the size of the polar ice caps, with corresponding changes in global sea levels as water moves between the oceans and the continental ice sheets. Sea levels are currently rising as a result of present-day increases in global mean temperature and some claim that West Antarctica and Greenland glaciers are melting rapidly. But how are changes in ice and ocean volumes estimated? Observations of the motions of close-earth satellites and measurements from these satellites to the surface of the Earth enable these changes to be measured and they provide important constraints on the physical properties of the planet and on the physical processes occurring on and within it. Students will learn about several Earth-observing satellite missions and how to derive and interpret results in terms of physical changes on Earth. Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but will be assessed separately.
Computer programming assignments (4)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Written critique of a scientific paper
Learning outcomes 5
Oral critique of a journal paper
Learning outcomes 5
Final exam
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Additional/different tasks will be included in graduate assignments and examinations, thus distinguishing the undergraduate and graduate assessment. (null) [LO null]
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including: - Face-to face component which may consist of 2 x 1 hour lectures, 1 x 2 hour computer lab plus 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week. - Approximately 70 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures, practicals and other assessment tasks. Current statement: A maximum of 39 hours of lectures and 26 hours of laboratory classes including tutorials
None. Preliminary Reading None.