NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING

COLLEGE OF GEOLOGICAL, MINING AND METALLURGICAL

ENGINEERING

GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING PROGRAM

GE201 – GEOPHYSICS

I. GENERAL INFORMATION
CODE : GE201 Geophysics
SEMESTER : 6
CREDITS : 3
HOURS PER WEEK : 3
PREREQUISITES : GE312 Paleontology, MA473 Differential Equations
CONDITION : Compulsory

II. COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course prepares students for the understanding and analysis of the physical processes affecting
the Earth planet. Students understand the origin of Earth and the solar system, the genesis of
earthquakes, volcano behavior, geography, and eruptions, and the mechanisms of generation of
tectonic forces. The concepts of Earth gravitational, magnetic and electric fields are analyzed including
their properties, variations, parameters and measuring instruments.

III. COURSE OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, students:
1. Explain the origin and characteristics of the solar system as well as the problem of geological
dating.
2. Understand and explain the genesis of earthquakes, as well as the principles of seismic wave
propagation.
3. Understand and explain volcano geography, eruptions, as well as the geochemical and
geophysical phenomena appearing in volcano eruptions.
4. Understand and explain Earth gravitational field, gravity variations and gravitational anomalies.
5. Understand and explain the mechanism for generation of tectonic forces, as well the
relationship between stress and strain in materials.
6. Understand and explain the principles of Earth magnetic and electrical fields amd theor
variations and properties.

IV. LEARNING UNITS

1. GENERALITIES OF GEOPHYSICS SCIENCES
Definitions and basic principles / Basic sciences and physics sciences / Geophysical disciplines
and their classification / Geophysics sciences in Peru / Basic geophysics and applied geophysics
/ Peruvian Institute of Geophysics.
2. GEOCOSMOLOGY
Origen of universe / Universe expansion: law of Hubble / Formation and evolution of stars and
galaxies / Solar systems: formation and characteristics / The problem of geological dating /
Radioactive elements / Disintegration natural series / Radioactive disintegration law and secular
equilibrium / Other radioactive elements / General process for dating / Earth age.
3. SEISMOLOGY
Definitions: earthquakes and micro-earthquakes / Seismograph: basic principle and types /
Elasticity theory: basic principles / Elastic waves and simple harmonic motion / Seismic waves,
types / Laws and principles of seismic waves propagation / Earth internal structure / Earthquake
genesis / Types of earthquakes / Theory of elastic bounce / Theory of tectonic plates. Convection
 currents / Seismology / Seismic parameters and focal mechanism / Earthquake effects /
Earthquake statistics / Seismic prediction: physical fundamentals.
4. VOLCANOLOGY
Volcanos / Types / Volcano geography / Lava: composition, types, physical, chemical and
petrographical characteristics of lavas / Types of volcano eruptions / Geochemical and
geophysical phenomena appearing in volcano eruptions / Effect of volcano eruptions / Predictions
of volcano eruptions / Volcanology in Peru / Geodesics / Earth shape and dimensions / Universal
gravity / Computation of mass / Earth gravity / Earth radius / Gravity variations / Earth density /
Instruments for measuring absolute and relative gravity / Pendulum and gravimeters /
Gravitational potential / Isostasy and isostasic theories.
5. TECTONO-PHYSICS
Tectonic forces / Stress and strain fields / Stress-strain curves / Experimental relationship / The
creep / Introduction to rheological models / Tectonic forces generation mechanisms /
Geomagnetism / Earth magnetic field: origin and variations / Rock magnetic properties / Magnetic
anomalies / Magnetism measurement instruments / Magnetograms.
6. GEOELECTRICITY
Earth electric currents / Rock electric conductivity / Air conductivity / Atmosphere ionic and thermal
structure / Electrical induction / Telluric currents / Variations of Earth electric field / Solar eruptions
/ Earth electricity measuring instruments.

VI. METHODOLOGY
The course takes place in theory and practice sessions. In theory sessions faculty presents concepts
and methods. In practice sessions, students analyze and solve diverse problems related to general
geophysics, seismology and volcanology. Students present written reports summarizing their findings
and conclusions. Active student participation is promoted.

VII. EVALUATION FORMULA

The average grade PF is calculated as follows:
PF = (EP + EF) / 2
EP: Partial examination EF: Final examination

VIII. BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. PARASNIS D.
Mining Geophysics
Paraninfo Editions, 2018
2. SMITH PETER
Topics of Geophysics
Reverte Editions, 2009.