450005 VO+UE+PR Topics in Geodynamics (2020S)

The course will focus on high resolution/3D field measurement and mapping techniques essential for describing and analysing an Alpine landscape. To carry out the measurements students are trained to travel safe in hazardous terrain (avalanche terrain). During the course, students will gain experience in a variety of relevant measurement techniques such as LIDAR, DGPS, SfM-photogrammetry, meteorological, glaciological and snow-related field techniques. Students will use different software packages to post-process and analyse the collected data to create a final map and another form of data synthesis with a mass movement (avalanche) related component (risk assessment). Monte Carlo (MC) algorithms as geo-statistical tools for the solution of a number of geophysical/geological inverse problems will be presented. The students will be introduced to the use of MC algorithms through practical supervised exercises in the lab for the solution of a simple surface reconstruction problem. Three codes for MC algorithms will be presented/given to the students for solving the surface reconstruction problem with: (a) a fixed resolution algorithm; (b) an adaptive resolution algorithm and (c) an algorithm using a "Hierarchical Bayes" approach.
The course contains an excursion (22.03. - 26.03.2020) to the Paznaun (Galtür) and Arlberg region where students gain hands-on experience in the relevant field techniques. It will be possible to analyse mass movement processes via blasting of avalanches. To join this course skiing or snowboarding skills are essential to be able to move to the test areas.