This module provides the knowledge and skills to understand, predict and characterise Earth deformation processes from
continental (e.g., glacial isostatic adjustments and plate tectonics) towards reservoir scales (e.g., folding, faulting and
compaction). Geodetic and geophysical observation techniques will be used to quantify these deformation processes, by
extracting physical parameters and assessing their uncertainties. In addition, students will learn to relate the observed movements
to subsurface engineering (e.g., resource extraction, storage, tunnelling) or natural processes (e.g., plate tectonics, earthquakes).
The module contains three components, 1) Statistical geo-data analysis, 2) Geodesy and Geodynamics, and 3) Geomechanics and
Structural Geology.
Study Goals After completing this module, students will be able to:
Design and apply hypothesis testing procedures to select the model which best represents physical reality
Apply geodetic observation and analysis techniques needed to quantify, characterize and explain changes in the shape of the
Earth and its gravity field, and changes and expressions of crustal structures
Evaluate the mechanical and deformation response and expressions of rocks to varying stresses within the shallow part of the
Earth's crust
Analyse the link between geodetic observables and the underlying geodynamical and geomechanical processes from reservoir to
global scales, including the effects of subsurface engineering activities
