Course Description
A rigorous and quantitative study of the physiochemical underpinning of planetary processes and applications to specific planetary bodies.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Quantitative research project, and oral presentation of the
results.
Athena Title
Planetary Dynamics
Prerequisite
MATH 2260 and PHYS 1211-1211L and CHEM 1211
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will understand that large-scale structure and evolution of planetary bodies in general, and of the earth in particular, in terms of fundamental physical principles. The course will not be an exhaustive descriptive tour of the Solar System, but rather a demonstration that the earth and planetary sciences are specific applications of physics and chemistry.
Topical Outline
Thermodynamic Underpinnings: The First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics Origin and Evolution of the Universe Origin and Distribution of the Chemical Elements. Fundamentals of Stellar Sructure and Evolution Formation of the Solar System Planetary Materials and Equations of State Sources of Planetary Internal Energy Structure and Composition of the Terrestrial Planets and Rocky Satellites Planetary Volcanism and Evolution of the Terrestrial Planets Physical Properties and Chemical Composition of the Giant Planets Origin and Evolution of the Giant Planets. Discussion of Extrasolar Planets Atmospheres of the Terrestrial Planets: Composition, Physical Properties, Origin and Evolution Thermodynamic Perspectives on the Origin of Life
Syllabus