Earth and Planetary Sciences 21 (formerly EPS 7). The Dynamic Earth: Geology and Tectonics Through Time
Catalog Number: 26854
Francis Alexander Macdonald and Richard J. O’Connell
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 10, and a weekly three-hour lab to be arranged and two field trips. EXAM GROUP: 3
Students will learn how the Earth works and how critical events in Earth history shaped their surroundings. We will explore what the Earth is made of, why there are continents and oceans, and how plate tectonics provides a unifying model to explain geological observations. Topics covered include the discovery of deep time, the relationship between geology and topography, the geology of our surroundings, plate tectonics, magnetism, chemical differentiation at subduction zones and mid-ocean ridges, mountain building, basin formation, isostasy, heat flow, convection, and feedbacks with the fluid Earth. Ultimately we will use physical processes to explain the patterns of nature. Our treatment will be quantitative with applications to other phenomena, and based on sound physics. Field trips provide opportunities to learn how to read rocks, to see data in the field, and to interpret observations in terms of their possible history and forces acting in and on the Earth.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the General Education requirement for Science of the Physical Universe or the Core area requirement for Science A. Students who have taken EPS 7 cannot take EPS 21 for credit.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 161 (Global Tectonics). Planetary Physics and Global Tectonics
Catalog Number: 1854
Richard J. O’Connell
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Study of the physics and tectonic processes that govern the properties and evolution of the Earth and other planets. Covers: properties of planets and their interiors; plate tectonics on the Earth; magnetic fields of the Earth and planets; deformation and heat flow and planetary thermal evolution; melting and volcanism in planets; gravity and tidal interaction.
Note: Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Introductory physical science and math or permission of instructor.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 201. Physics of the Earth’s Interior
Catalog Number: 4004
Richard J. O’Connell
Half course (spring term). W., F., 2:30–4.
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.
Note: Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Applied Mathematics 104, 105; Physics 15 or equivalent. Preparation should be discussed with the instructor.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 265r. Topics in Geodynamics
Catalog Number: 0816
Richard J. O’Connell
Half course (fall term). W., F., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
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: Expected to be given in 2014–15. Given in alternate years.
For up-to-date information on these classes visit the registrar's website.