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Structure and Formation of the Earth
Prof. M.D. Feigenson, Prof. C.T. Herzberg, Prof. R.H. Hewins. [Prerequisites: 01:460:302, 307, 401, or permission of instructor.] Topics of current research on the internal structure of the earth. Mantle structure, phase changes, seismic discontinuities, trace element/isotopic properties, mineral physics, core formation, meteorites, moons, asteroids.
Syllabus
Week # |
Topics |
| 1 |
Introduction |
| 2 |
Model pyrolite & cosmochemical compositions of the Earth (Herzberg) |
| 3 |
The solar system & the universe; origin of the elements; interstellar grains (Hewins) |
| 4 |
The origin of stars & protoplanetary discs; nebular processes and chondritic reservoirs (Hewins) |
| 5 |
Asteroidal geology; impact & thermal metamorphism, differentiation (Hewins) |
| 6 |
Gravitational accretion of planetesimals and giant collisions: implications for the initial state of the Earth (Hewins) |
| 7 |
Seismic discontinuities & mineral physics tests of mantle structure (Herzberg) |
| 8 |
Phase transitions & mantle convection (Herzberg) |
| 9 |
Magma oceans & Earth structure (Herzberg) |
| 10 |
Pulsation Tectonics (R.E. Sheridan) |
| 11 |
Melting models (M.J. Carr) |
| 12 |
Formation of the Earth's core (J. Jones) |
| 13 |
Re & Os isotopes in the mantle (R.J. Walker) |
| 14 |
Formation of early continental crust (R. Rapp) |
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