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Science A-24 : The Dynamic Earth
Spring 2007-2008
Richard J. O'Connell
A discussion of physical processes that formed the Earth and govern its continuing evolution. How internal workings shape the planet's surface, producing volcanism, earthquakes, and the uplift of mountains. The course describes the theory of plate tectonics; reviews the observations and phenomena that led to the hypothesis; describes methods of deducing the present state, composition, and structure of the Earth's interior; discusses the age and the thermal state of the Earth and the evidence for the flow and mobility of the interior. Students are encouraged to think critically, and to appreciate the uncertainties in current models and hypotheses.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 161 : Global Tectonics
Fall 2006-2007
Richard J. O'Connell
Overview of geophysical and geological observations and phenomena related to large-scale tectonic processes. Plate tectonics; marine magnetic and paleomagnetic measurements; heat flow and thermal evolution of oceanic plates; earthquakes and volcanoes at plate boundaries. The rigid and nonrigid behavior of lithospheric plates; rates of crustal deformation; earthquakes within continents; mountain building and the support and evolution of mountain belts.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 201 : Physics of the Earth's Interior
Fall 2007-2008
Richard J. O'Connell
The properties and processes of the solid Earth: Continuum mechanics; structure and state of the Earth's interior; gravity and the geoid; viscous creep and mantle flow; rotational dynamics; heat transport and mantle convection.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 260 : Topics in Geophysics
Spring 2007-2008
Richard J. O'Connell, Miaki Ishii, and Brendan J. Meade
Research seminar on current important problems on the state and processes of the solid Earth. Topics may include mantle structure and geochemistry, the core-mantle boundary, the continental lithosphere.
Note: This course is coordinated with a research course at MIT.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 264r : Topics in Planetary Magnetism
Fall 2007-2008
Jeremy Bloxham
Theoretical and observational aspects of planetary magnetism. Topics: observations of Earth's and other planets magnetic fields; core structure, dynamics and energetics; rotation and convection; magn etohydrodynamics and magnetic field generation; kinematic and dynamic dynamo theory.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 265r. Topics in Geodyamics
Expected to be given in 2008-2009
Richard J. O'Connell
Topics in the dynamics of processes and properties in the Earth's interior, including: thermal convection and flow in the mantle, rheology of the mantle, plate motions, plate deformation, physical properties of rocks and minerals.
Note: Given in alternate years.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 362 : Dynamo Theory: Research Seminar
Fall 2007-2008
Jeremy Bloxham
Earth and Planetary Sciences 364 : Geophysics
Fall 2007-2008
Jeremy Bloxham
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