Natural Geological Hazards and Risks 1st and 2nd year

The scope of this course is to cover the fundamentals of numerical data processing. The main emphasis is on analysis of time series, such as seismic signals, even though the concepts can be transposed to any numerical signal. One major aim of the course is to illustrate some of the many pitfalls and problems that students (and researchers alike) can come across when analyzing signals.

The course is split into two equal parts. The first one introduces the theoretical framework of signal processing i.e., sampling, Fourier Transform, convolution, correlation and filtering, while the second one focuses on practical applications. In this second part, the students address specific subjects of signal processing (such as sampling issues, measurements of time delays, filtering, f–k analysis, wave separation …) in 4-hour lab work sessions performed on computers.

Visit the full page about this course

This module provides an introduction to the course. It helps place the issues covered by the Earth and Environmental Sciences in context, and guide the students with their training and professional projects. This module consists of:

(1) a 3-day field workshop for the entire class, which will serve to illustrate the major themes and issues of EES with the help of the exceptional sites found around Grenoble;

(2) an interview, and the drafting of an educational and professional project by each student;

(3) seminars for the entire class on the major current issues of EES (mineral and energy resources, telluric risks, climate change, water resources).

Visit the full page about this course

This module is intended to acquire and deepen the basics of computer programming and computer environments that will be used throughout the Master's programme. It consists of 6 hours of lectures and 18 hours of practical work on computers. The practical sessions are adapted to the level of each student.

Visit the full page about this course

The objective of the course is to provide students, from the beginning of the Master's degree, with tools to identify and retrieve geophysical data from international data distribution systems, and to apply some simple processing on the data. The 3 types of data are a) seismological data, and their application to earthquake location; b) GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) data; c) Earth's magnetic field data, with an application to the reconstruction of the magnetic field at the surface of the Earth's core. The practical work on applications forms the core of the module, and is prepared through introductory courses in each of the three areas. Requirements: Basic knowledge on the Solid Earth and/or Waves and potential fields. Language: English

Visit the full page about this course

This course is on the interactions and feedback relationships between tectonics and climatically controlled surface processes, with a particular emphasis on evolution of mountain belts such as the Alps, Andes or Himalayas. In this context, the timescales on which geological processes shape the surface of the Earth are of great importance. Therefore, the determining the timing and quantifying geological processes through wide range dating techniques are at the core of this course with the objective of modelling landscape evolution. Half of the course will be based on practical exercises, case studies and presentations, so that the students will actively participate in the teaching of this course.The course will be in English.

Visit the full page about this course

The geomechanics course applies the principles of continuum mechanics to concrete problems of the Solid Earth.

The module is articulated by a back-and-forth between:

- a complete course presenting the basics of geomechanics, which allows a refresher for students who have never studied continuum mechanics,

- numerous application examples from real studies, both geotechnical and geodynamic. The large exercise base allows students who already have the basics of mechanics to practice reading data and applying the geomechanical approach in a more applied way than in their previous course.

Thus, at the end of the module, students should have a solid foundation in

- mechanics of continuous media

- the use and measurement of elastic properties of materials

- the use of failure criteria to gauge the mechanical stability of a structure: friction and fracturing phenomena.

Evaluation:

A mid-term CC counting for 50% of the grade

A final exam accounting for 50% of the grade

Visit the full page about this course

This course is an introduction to the use of basic geophysical prospecting methods (seismic refraction, electrical sounding, EM mapping). An effort is made towards the processing and acquisition of data in the field and especially their interpretation in geological and hydrological terms in simple environments.

Visit the full page about this course

Préparer l’étudiant aux métiers visés par la formation, autant les métiers de chercheur que ceux de chargés d’étude dans le privé. Formulation d’un CV, entraînement aux entretiens d’embauche, la structuration d’une publication scientifique et d'un rapport d'études, la connaissance des outils de recherche et de mise en forme d’une publication, un enseignement sur le fonctionnement des bureaux d’étude et de la législation en vigueur font partie de cette préparation. Nous insistons sur le fait que les futurs thésards ou ceux qui entrent directement dans le monde du travail doivent connaître les deux mondes.

Visit the full page about this course

L’objectif de cet enseignement est de transmettre des connaissances théoriques et des compétences pratiques sur la gestion des risques majeurs en France, avec un accent sur les risques naturels. Les étudiants disposeront dès lors des compétences et connaissances nécessaires pour comprendre les enjeux voire mettre en œuvre les plans de gestion réglementaires (PPR, PCS, information préventive, surveillance et observation), tout en disposant d’éléments sur les approches et outils alternatifs existant en matière de prévention (information préventive), de gestion (gestion intégrée des risques naturels, gestion de crise opérationnelle) et de retour d’expérience (notamment approches participatives et liées aux réseaux sociaux numériques). L’UE alterne entre cours (22h) et session pratiques (18h), parmi lesquelles une sortie de terrain.

Visit the full page about this course

The wave physics course aims to provide students with the theoretical knowledge necessary to study wave propagation for geophysics. The course covers the following concepts
- Propagation of acoustic waves in fluids, in infinite and bounded media (guided waves)
- Green's functions in fluids
- Propagation of elastic waves in solids
- Laws of refraction, Huygens' principle, Khirkchoff's theory of diffraction
- Rayleigh, Love, Lamb, Scholte, Stoneley waves

The course is illustrated by practical work allowing the application of these concepts:
- Measurement and inversion of Lamb wave propagation
- Standing waves in a Kundt's tube
- Ultrasonic imaging

Visit the full page about this course

This course offers a guided tour of the Earth's interior, from the crust to the core. The main observables and tools for investigating the Earth's interior (seismology, mineralogy, heat transfer, geochemistry, gravity, geomagnetism) are presented and used to describe and explain key processes (crust formation, plate tectonics and mantle convection, magnetic field generation). A historical approach is often privileged: the emphasis is put on the construction and evolution of our understanding of the internal structure of the Earth and its behaviour, by presenting the discoveries and conceptual advances that have led to our current vision of the Earth. The course includes two sessions of group presentations of historical or recent papers.

Teaching language: English

Visit the full page about this course

The "Introduction to Seismic Risk" module introduces the basic concepts for assessing seismic hazard and risk assessement, and presents the main scientific issues and methods, from the movement of tectonic plates and faults rupturing to surface ground motions and their accounting for in seismic regulations. This module will address the concepts of active deformation, slip velocity and fault loading, earthquakes occurrence, seismic rupture characteristics, wave propagation in the earth's crust and modification of ground motions by surface geology. The module will also cover all the statistical methods necessary for the quantification of seismic hazard and risk (quantification of uncertainties, distribution laws, random processes, etc.). Introduction of these basic concepts are essential to the M2 Active Faults and M2 Engineering seismology modules which are more advanced courses.

Visit the full page about this course

The aim of this module is to provide a basic understanding of the physics of magmatic and eruptive processes occurring in volcanoes and of the main methods of volcanological study and monitoring. In particular, the forces and parameters controlling the transport and storage of magma from the production zones to the surface will be explained and illustrated with the help of tutorials. In the context of the study of eruptive dynamics, the different modes of eruption of volcanic products (plume, pyroclastic flow, dome, lava flow) and their physical mechanisms will be discussed. The most commonly used geophysical monitoring methods (seismology, deformation, gas emission studies) will be presented, showing their contribution to the prediction of eruptions and the knowledge of volcanic processes. The different remote sensing methods used in this field (optical, thermal and radar imagery) will be described, with emphasis on the specificities of these techniques for their application to volcanology and monitoring. Teaching language: English.

Visit the full page about this course

L’objectif de ce module est d’apporter une connaissance approfondie des méthodes opérationnelles de surveillance utilisées dans les observatoires volcanologiques et des principes de la gestion des crises volcaniques. Les diverses approches mises en œuvre pour évaluer l’aléa volcanique seront étudiées : cartographie des produits éruptifs, reconstitution de l’histoire éruptive, méthodes probabilistes et déterministes de prédiction des éruptions. Des TD/TP portant sur l’interprétation en temps réel des signaux géophysiques (sismicité, déplacements de surface…) seront proposés. Ce module s’appuiera sur les retours d’expériences des crises volcaniques récentes.

Visit the full page about this course

Cet enseignement est une introduction à l'évaluation des risques naturels gravitaires, dispensé par 6 intervenants professionnels:
- Aléas (mouvements de terrain, avalanches, crues et laves torrentielles) : compréhension des processus, méthodes de détection, caractérisation.
- Risques : notions de gestion des risques en fonction des enjeux ; approches qualitatives et quantitatives.
- Ouvrages de protection : principes généraux des dispositifs de protection contre les différents aléas, éléments de dimensionnement.

L'UE inclut des cours, un TD-jeux de rôle et une sortie terrain.

Visit the full page about this course

This module is intended to supplement the subsurface geophysics teaching with a detailed mathematical description of geophysics imaging techniques adapted to petroleum, mining and crustal objectives.

Particular focus is given to the main following methods: 

- seismic reflection signals; principles of acquisition and data processing (theory and practical exercices on academic and industrial softwares) with application to several datasets acquired in marine environment and on the ground at various scales of the Earth's crust. 

- interpretation of controlled source electromagnetic (CSEM) data and gravimetry,

- electromagnetic prospection in diffuse regime

The seismic part of this lecture aims at proving a solid background fo further interpretation, which is taught in the "bassin analysis" class. 

Evaluation is based on the reports from the practical works and on a final exam.   

Visit the full page about this course

This course offers a broad and practical introduction to Earth Observation from space and to Geographic Information System (GIS). The course works on a basis of 3h lecture associated to 3h of practical work using the free software QGIS. Course are usually given in French. In addition, a project using QGIS has to be by small groups of students, including 9h (3x3h) with teacher support in computer room.

The structure of the courses is:

first part is common to all the student (from January to February winter break)

+ Introduction to GIS: 3h course + 3h practical
+ Basics of Remote Sensing (1): 3h course + 3h practical
+ Basics of Remote Sensing (2): 3h course + 3h practical
+ Classification methods: 3h course + 3h practical

The second part of the course depends of the program followed by the students : 

for Geophysics, Geodynamics, Georesources and Georisks programs: 
+ Remote-Sensing and GIS applied to geology:  3h course 
+ Remote-Sensing and GIS applied to geophysics:  3h course 
+ Remote-Sensing and GIS applied to continental surfaces:  3h course
+ Remote-Sensing and GIS applied to planetology:  3h course + 3h practical

for Hydro-resources and Atmosphere-Climate-Continental Landmass programs: 
+ Remote-Sensing and GIS applied to continental surfaces:  3h course 
+ Remote-Sensing and GIS applied to Digital Elevation Surface:  3h course + 3h practical
+ Remote-Sensing and GIS applied to atmosphere:  3h course
+ Remote-Sensing and GIS applied to Ocean:  3h course
 
Evaluation will be based on a written exam at mid-term, a written report about the project, and a final written exam covering all the lectures and practicals.

Visit the full page about this course

In every fields of science (economy, health, physics, chemistry,..), we measure/collect data or observations and try to understand and interpret them.
To interpret these complex data, we propose "simple" models, for example:

- in meteorology, data are temperature, humidity, etc, models are collection of boxes/cells linked through physical relationships.
- in earth-science, data are collected from satellites, ground instruments, and models propose a simplified view of earth dynamic

In the first case we are more interested in the data (what is the forecast for next week?) than in the model (cells),
In the second case we focus on the interpretation of the data rather than the data themselves.

The relation model->data is called the direct problem, the reverse is called the inverse problem.

Solving an inverse problem is answering the question: Given some data, how can we retrieve the model and parameters that explain them?

The course explores the solution of linear inversion problems and how to solve iteratively non linear inverse problems.
This is done by using a light theoretical background and playing on computer with applications.

prerequisite: basic knowledge of linear algebra (vector, matrices, transposition, dot product, etc...), some python (or matlab) programming experience

Language: english or french

Visit the full page about this course

This module proposes the practical application of the knowledge acquired in the module "Geophysical observation of the Earth" in the disciplines of seismology and space geodesy by GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems). The aim is to master the entire GNSS measurement chain: handling the receiver, deploying the GNSS station with precise centring of the antenna receiving the GNSS signal, downloading and formatting the acquired data. The analysis of these data with an open source software will allow to reach a positioning accuracy of a few mm. The target of the measurements will be a landslide in the Trièves region. We will quantify its rate of displacement by combining the measurements taken with observations from previous years.
For seismology, we will deploy a classic seismological station completed by new generation instruments of the 'nodes' type and possibly fibre optics, DAS technique. We will address the issues of site selection according to ambient noise conditions, precise sensor installation, GPS data dating and remote data recovery. The target of the measurements will be the same landslide in the Trièves region. We will study seismological approaches to characterise both the seismic properties of this landslide and their temporal evolution.

Prerequisite: having followed the module "Geophysical observation of the Earth" in S1

Visit the full page about this course

The objective of this course is to understand the principles and the application of machine learning methods (one of the branches of artificial intelligence) in the context of geosciences. To do so, we will introduce the concepts, the main uses in geosciences (detection/understanding of natural phenomena from satellite imagery, time series, etc.), the main problems addressed (regression, classification and unsupervised learning) as well as the main methods (random forests, PCA..). Finally, we will briefly introduce deep learning methods.

The main goal of this course is to know how to use these tools by oneself, to understand the main problems, but also to understand their limits. For this, the module is based on 12 hours of practical work in Python.

Pre-requisites:
Basic knowledge of Python programming and mathematics.

Languages: English, French

Visit the full page about this course

The objective of this module is to acquire the principles of the basic methods of scientific computing and their implementation in computer codes. The methods are presented in a simplified way, insisting on the ideas behind them, then they are implemented in computer programs (in Python or Matlab) on simple examples related to geosciences.

Visit the full page about this course

During the 60'-90' numerous studies pinpointed on the evidence for seismicity triggered by the different types of geo-resource productions (mining, oil and gas extraction, reservoir impoundment, geothermal production, water supply) and discussed the possible triggering processes.  Half a century later, the key challenges for the research community remain to be able to estimate where, when, how long will the induced seismicity sequence last, and what is the maximum possible earthquake size. In order  address these  questions,  this module revisits case studies related to each type of geo-resource exploitations by selecting the cases where the seismicity and deformation before the exploitation onset are documented, and the production history is known. On such a basis, each of geo-resource exploitation styles are  (i) analyzed  in term of observed induced deformation and seismicity  and (ii) mechanical models of the associated induced stress changes over time and space are presented. A specific focus on the partitioning of the deformation between slow plastic response and brittle seismic failure will be developed as a function of the local geo-mechanical context (tectonic setting, local forcing rate, boundary conditions).

Apart from such these global analyses, tools to extract patterns of time series for these human induced seismicity sequences will be defined using standard statistical seismology law in time space and size domains (e.g. frequency size distribution, aftershocks triggering, ...). These patterns and laws they derive from, will be used to compare the induced seismicity sequences  both to the regular tectonic earthquake sequences and to the production history. Some implications-applications for production monitoring will be discussed.

Visit the full page about this course

The objective of this course is to provide the fundamental notions of the study of landslides, which can have very diverse characteristics (speeds, sizes, mechanisms, geology) and forcings (precipitations, earthquakes, anthropic actions, deglaciation, erosion...). An important part of the course consists in illustrating the use of observation and characterisation methods (geodesy, remote sensing, seismology, geophysics, geomorphology, cosmogenic dating) of landslide activity, as well as the modelling of landslide propagation, and then to use them in the form of mini-projects.
This course is therefore largely based on the practice of tools and the study of active and paleo landslide cases, including visits on different sites.

Visit the full page about this course

The Engineering Seismology course aims to provide students with an overview of the latest issues and methods for quantitative estimation of seismic hazard and risk. A basic knowledge of seismology is required. The course develops these specific topics: seismic wave radiation at the earthquake source, wave propagation and attenuation in the Earth's crust, wave amplification in the subsurface soils (site effects), empirical (Green's functions, ground-motion models GMPE/GMM) and numerical methods for the prediction of strong motions (with a particular emphasis on uncertainties), probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA) that combines earthquake recurrence models and ground-motion models, vulnerability of buildings to seismic shaking and their dynamic response, and the specificities of the urban environment. The course addresses these topics with a physical approach (understanding, measurement and quantification of phenomena) but also with a regulatory approach (consideration of these phenomena in seismic standards, microzonation).

Visit the full page about this course

This unit aims to learn the most recent methods used to assess ground motion caused by earthquakes, characterize shallow structures for seismic response analysis, or assess seismic hazard, seismic vulnerability and seismic risk in urban areas. The unit is organized in the form of a project to develop one of the abovementioned topics. The basic notions are first introduced in the “Engineering Seismology” lectures (wave propagation, fault rupture mechanisms, empirical and numerical ground motion prediction, non-invasive methods for characterizing shallow ground structure, ground-motion parameters used in earthquake engineering, structural dynamics applied to seismology, seismic vulnerability, structural health monitoring).

Visit the full page about this course

Cette UE vise à développer l’approche multi-disciplinaire de l’étude des glissements de terrain. Pour cela, différentes méthodes seront utilisées et combinées : géophysique, géologie, hydrologie, géodésie, etc. L’objectif est de parvenir à intégrer ces données multi-sources pour mieux comprendre la structure et/ou l’évolution de glissements de terrain. Cette UE se déroulera sous la forme de projet(s).

Visit the full page about this course

Active faults are those producing earthquakes. Their knowledge is thus a prerequisite to any seismic hazard analysis. The objective of the ‘active faults’ class is to make the students familiar with these structures, and establish the links and common properties between long‐term geological faults and instantaneous earthquake ruptures. We start reminding a few basics in rock and fracture mechanics that allow understanding why the Earth crust and lithosphere break through faulting and earthquakes. We then see on which criteria most active faults can be identified in the surface morphology. The modern tools allowing such identification are described. We show that faults are organized features that form hierarchical, larger‐scale systems, whose geometry brings information on long‐term fault evolution, kinematics and mechanics. The long‐term kinematics and evolution can then be more precisely quantified using data such as geomorphology and geochronology. We discuss these methods of quantification, the assumptions on which they rely, their implications in terms of long‐term fault slip rates, earthquake sizes and recurrence times, etc... Then, we go back to earthquake ruptures, which we analyze with a ‘geological eye’ (analysis of static parameters). Doing so, we point out the differences and similarities between earthquake ruptures and long‐term faults, and discuss the properties of faults which most control the earthquake behavior. We also characterize how faults behave during a single, then multiple seismic cycles, and introduce the recently discovered complexities of both the seismic cycle and its repetitions. Combining the present knowledge on long‐term faults and earthquakes, we then try to understand how faults may grow in time, i.e., accumulate slip and propagate laterally through the repetition of large earthquakes. We eventually suggest how that understanding may help anticipating the occurrence and size of the future earthquakes.

Visit the full page about this course

Risk management; preventive information; crisis management; modelling for crisis management
Critical approach to regulatory management tools and comparison with alternative approaches
Field trip with an elected official, lecture by a consultancy director, testing of educational solutions for raising awareness of risks
Application to the students' problems

Visit the full page about this course

Near Surface Geophysics is open to Georisks, Geophysics and MEEES paths. The course starts with a  brief reminder of the basics in Geophysical imaging (Seismic refraction, electrical soundings) and evolves towards more advanced methods: i) inversion-based methods such as tomography techniques (electric, seismic) and surface wave investigations, and ii) methods based on more advanced signal processing such as Ground Penetrating Radar and advanced Seismic reflection techniques. A specific GPS course is also included. 

The course is a bit data oriented with training using different geophysical softwares (electrical and seismic tomography, Surface wave inversion, Seismic Unix). 

A fieldwork is included (generally on a landslide) and data acquired in the field are then post-processed and analyzed to produce a report.

Visit the full page about this course

The main motivation of the course is to introduce the fundamental equations underlying the essential theoretical and numerical approaches used in seismology. Its objective is to provide basic knowledge of the mathematical and physical background for quantitative seismology. The course contents includes elements of mechanics, concepts of waves and vibrations, seismic earthquake source representation, kinematics and directivity, seismic wave propagation in layered media, synthetic seismogram computation, focal mechanisms, fault mechanics and models, surface waves, anelastic attenuation, ground motion prediction.

Visit the full page about this course

The scope of this course is to cover the fundamentals of numerical data processing. The main emphasis is on analysis of time series, such as seismic signals, even though the concepts can be transposed to any numerical signal. One major aim of the course is to illustrate some of the many pitfalls and problems that students (and researchers alike) can come across when analyzing signals.

The course is split into two equal parts. The first one introduces the theoretical framework of signal processing i.e., sampling, Fourier Transform, convolution, correlation and filtering, while the second one focuses on practical applications. In this second part, the students address specific subjects of signal processing (such as sampling issues, measurements of time delays, filtering, f–k analysis, wave separation …) in 4-hour lab work sessions performed on computers.

Visit the full page about this course

This course is on the interactions and feedback relationships between tectonics and climatically controlled surface processes, with a particular emphasis on evolution of mountain belts such as the Alps, Andes or Himalayas. In this context, the timescales on which geological processes shape the surface of the Earth are of great importance. Therefore, the determining the timing and quantifying geological processes through wide range dating techniques are at the core of this course with the objective of modelling landscape evolution. Half of the course will be based on practical exercises, case studies and presentations, so that the students will actively participate in the teaching of this course.The course will be in English.

Visit the full page about this course

A new course that will follow the one in the 2nd semester of the first year, but that can also be chosen by students with previous experience in the field. A detailed description will be posted later, in the meantime look at the corresponding UE of the first year.

This course introduces the main deep learning methods relevant for Earth Science applications, where the processing of time series and images (sometimes noisy, incomplete) and forecasting are routine problems. This includes for example Convolutional Neural Networks, Recurrent Neural Networks, and Generative Networks.

Pre-requisites: Ideally: Introduction to Machine Learning in Earth Sciences, course from the first year of STPE Master. If not: good knowledge in Python, basic notions in differential calculation and linear algebra.

Languages: English, French

Visit the full page about this course

The objective of this project-oriented course is to deepen, according to the student's choices, one or more aspects seen in the "Numerical Modeling", "Advanced Signal Processing", "Advanced Machine Learning" and "Data Assimilation" (note that depending on your parcours / path, not all these courses may be accessible) courses on a project carried out in autonomy with a teacher-referent on a particular subject.

Visit the full page about this course

The objective of this course is to train students in the numerical methods used to solve the classical partial differential equations of the Earth sciences, with methods such as finite difference, finite element, spectral methods, ... This course is structured around theoretical lectures presenting the methods and their numerical properties, and practical work on simple practical problems. The practical application on more complex problems and the deepening of the methods will be approached in the project-oriented UE "Computing and data analysis Project".

Visit the full page about this course

This internship must be carried out for at least 6 weeks. It aims to discover the professional environment, business or research laboratory, whose themes are linked to the objectives of each course. 

Visit the full page about this course

This internship has a minimum duration of 4 months and constitutes the finalization of each student's master's project. It can serve as a gateway to the professional world or preparatory to a doctorate. It must be closely linked to the chosen master's course.

Visit the full page about this course