Applied Geophysics II – Seismic provides an advanced introduction to seismic exploration methods, covering both classical foundations and modern developments. The course begins with the fundamentals of wave propagation, including acoustic and elastic wave equations, the Helmholtz equation, and numerical forward modeling methods. Building on this foundation, students will study active-source methods, focusing on seismic acquisition, processing, interpretation, and advanced imaging techniques such as full-waveform inversion (FWI) and reverse time migration (RTM). The course then introduces passive-source methods, including seismic interferometry, surface wave dispersion inversion, and microseismic monitoring. Finally, students will explore emerging tools in seismic exploration, such as machine learning, deep neural networks, and distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). Through lectures and exercises, students will develop the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to analyze seismic data for subsurface imaging and monitoring.
This course introduces the fundamental principles and processes of physical geography. Topics include the Earth’s systems and spheres, the dynamics of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere, and their interactions. Emphasis will be placed on understanding spatial patterns and environmental processes that shape our planet. By the end of this course, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the basic principles and concepts of physical geography. They will be able to analyze the interactions among Earth’s major systems including the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, and interpret geographic data using maps, graphs, and modern geospatial technologies. Students will describe how the properties of the Earth’s atmosphere and surface are displayed on maps and explain the Earth’s energy balance in relation to radiation and temperature. They will also describe atmospheric and oceanic circulations and connect these processes to weather systems. In addition, students will be able to explain the global hydrologic cycle and the distribution of water resources, as well as describe how landscapes are formed and shaped by tectonic activity, mass movement, wind, water, and ice. The course will further enable students to understand how biotic communities develop and are structured in relation to the landscapes and environments they inhabit. Finally, students will examine how humans interact with the landscape, influencing environmental and climate change.