To give the student a general knowledge of ongoing geodynamic processes with emphasis on interpretation on geodetic data. The main topics are:
- Earth rotation and global dynamic processes (Earth rotation, polar motion, Reference Frames, nutation and precession),
- The Gravity Field of the Earth (Potential theory, geoid),
- Mass transport and mass distribution in the Earth system,
- Earth tides,
- Isostasy and compensation and their applications in Earth modelling,
- Tectonics and Crustal Deformation (Plate kinematics, continental drift, seafloor spreading),
- Sea surface topography and sea level changes (climate change studies),
- Effects of the Earth's fluid layers (e.g. post-glacial rebound, loading) and applications,
- Stress and Strain in Solids