FYS-3019 Non-linear processes in space- and geo-science

Work Load 10  credits (ECTS)

Type of course Theoretical and practical subject.

Level of course/Year of study Master level course.

Language of instruction Norwegian, or English by request

Examination semester Spring

Contents Mathematical models of complex systems in Nature are in general non-linear. Slightly imprecisely expressed this means that the whole is not simply the sum of the parts. Excitations on different space- and time-scales interact and often result in a turbulent spectrum of a more or less universal form. Another feature of non-linear systems could be self-organisation, for instance by coherent structures (like the red spot of Jupiter) emerging from a turbulent chaos or by emergence of a critical state characterised by fluctuations on a wide range of scales in space and time, i.e. the system exhibits long-range correlations. The course treats a selection of phenomena and processes from space physics and the geo-sciences, which illustrate the application of non-linear quantitative methods. Subjects touched upon are; non-linear interaction among waves, turbulence in fluids and plasmas, scale-invariance and power-laws (fractals), self-organised criticality, numerical simulation of non-linear models, and statistical and spectral analysis of observational data.

Recommended previous qualifications FYS-2009 Introduction to plasma physics, FYS-2013 Chaos, fractals and complexity

Form of teaching Lectures: 40 hours Practice classes: 40 hours The practice will basically consist of computer projects which are initiated during the classes and are finished as homework. The homework reports will be handed in and used in the final evaluation.

Coursework requirements Computerprosjekter

Exam and assessment Portfolio assessment of the compprojects combined with a fianl oral examination based on the projects. Grading scale: A-F. Re-sit examination: Early in tutor free term, with reserve of postponed examination, handing in of revised computer project combined with an oral examination concentrating on the projects. Postponed examination: According to the current regulation of exams § 21. New examination: According to the current regulation exams § 25, last paragraph.

Contact person/lecturer Arvid Aanstad, tlf: +47 77 64 40 06, e-mail: stud-kons@phys.uit.no

Recommended reading/syllabus Available on request

Course overlap FYS-8019 -1      10 sp