After successful completion of the course, students are able to specify the transformation between space fixed and Earth fixed reference systems and the corresponding Earth orientation parameters and to explain the mechanisms and effects associated with the variable rotation of the Earth.
Transformation between celestial and terrestrial reference systems: definition of Earth orientation parameters (EOP), determination of EOP by means of space geodetic techniques; Theoretical background: rotation of a rigid Earth, rotation of a deformable Earth, polar motion, changes of the rotation speed, precession-nutation. Modeling of geophysical effects: angular momentum approach, torque approach, excitation functions.
Explanation of the relevant reference systems, the Earth orientation parameters and the effects and mechanisms affecting Earth rotation with power point slides.
The lecture can be given in English if the majority of the students agrees to that.
The following topics are discussed in parts during the oral exam:
Bitte unbedingt anmelden! Die Anmeldung dient der weiteren Planung der Vorlesung (wegen eingeschränkter Seminarraumkapazitäten).
Earth Rotation: Theory and Observation (Moritz & Mueller, 1988), The Earth's Variable Rotation: Geophysical causes and consequences (Lambeck, 1980), The Earth and its Rotation (Zharkov et al., 1996), Earth Rotation Variations - Long Period (Gross, 2007)
Lectures of mathematics and physics of the three first semesters required, higher geodesy, Earth gravity field.