Earth and Planetary Sciences 6. Introduction to Environmental Science: The Solid Earth
Catalog Number: 2694
Göran Ekström
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1:00; laboratories and section require one afternoon per week. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
An introduction to geology, with emphasis on environmental problems and hazards. Introduction to methods of risk assessment. Natural disasters: earthquakes; volcanoes; landslides; floods. Short-and long-term impact of human activity on the geological environment: radon and hazardous materials; drainage patterns and dams; ground water and subsidence. The development of scientific topics will form the bases for discussion of methods of risk reduction through policy and legislation.
Note: EPS 6 may not be counted for a degree in addition to EPS 7.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 7. Introduction to Geological Sciences
Catalog Number: 0918
Adam M. Dziewonski
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 10; three hours of laboratory work each week and two day-long field trips on separate weekends required. EXAM GROUP: 3
An introduction to Earth science designed for concentrators in geological, environmental, and geophysical sciences. Origin of the earth, its age and its evolution with an emphasis on the processes that shaped our planet. The theory of plate tectonics is used as a broad framework to explain the occurrence and distribution of earthquakes, volcanoes and mountains, and to explore the history of the earth’s surface. Labs and the weekend field trip familiarize students with rock types, geological features, and maps, and expose them to how geologists infer processes from the rock record.
Note: Also appropriate for non-EPS concentrators who desire a comprehensive introduction to Earth science.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 8. History of the Earth
Catalog Number: 0166
Paul F. Hoffman and Daniel P. Schrag
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 10; two hours of laboratory per week and two one-day field trips. EXAM GROUP: 3
This course examines the major stages and critical events in the history of the earth with emphasis on the interactions between global tectonics, ocean-atmosphere processes (climate), and biological evolution. We will consider all time scales, from the formation of the earth and other planets, to catastrophic events that drove mass extinctions, to the most recent period of human interaction with the environment. Lectures will focus not only on descriptions of critical intervals, but also on what evidence exists to support these descriptions. Laboratories introduce methods of investigation and analysis of the geological record.
Note: This is one of three required introductory courses for EPS concentrators, along with EPS 5 and EPS 7.
Prerequisite: Secondary-school courses in science (physics, chemistry, biology) and calculus.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 30. Environmental Microbiology
Catalog Number: 4935
Ralph Mitchell
Half course (fall term). M., W., 12:30–2. EXAM GROUP: 5, 6
Microbial processes in natural habitats, including biogeochemical cycles and metal transformations. Evolution of microorganisms and the development of survival strategies are discussed. Includes discussions of microbial processes in specific habitats including fresh waters, marine, and soil. Emphasis is placed on the effects of environmental deterioration and the responses of the microbial community.
Prerequisite: An introductory biology course, either at the high school or college level.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 50. Planetary Materials and Geochemistry
Catalog Number: 4726
Stein B. Jacobsen
Half course (spring term). M., W., 1–2:30, plus three hours per week of laboratory. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
An introduction to rocks and minerals—the materials of the solid Earth and other solar system bodies. Fundamental principles of mineral structures, phase equilibrium, and the processes of formation of igenous and metamorphic rocks. Construction and interpretation of phase diagrams, models for melt generation and crystallization, and the metamorphic facies concept and thermal models of metamorphism. The relationship between rock-forming processes and plate tectonic setting. Laboratory emphasizes sample identification, optical mineralogy, x-ray diffraction, and electron microprobe methods.
Prerequisite: One basic Earth science course (e.g., EPS 7 or Science A-24), and Chemistry 5 or Chemistry 10 (may be taken concurrently).
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 74. Field Geology
Catalog Number: 7239
Paul F. Hoffman
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Methods of observation and documentation of the earth’s rock record. Approximately four weeks of field observation are followed by the preparation of a detailed geologic report.
Note: Students must notify EPS Head Tutor and instructors of intention to enroll by May 1 of the preceding spring term.
Prerequisite: EPS 7, 8, 50 or 171, are recommended, or permission of instructor.
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 91r. Supervised Reading and Research
Catalog Number: 1462
Richard J. O’Connell and members of the Department
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Note: Intended for junior or senior concentrators in Earth and Planetary Sciences; open to sophomore concentrators only under exceptional circumstances. Permission of the faculty member under whom the student wants to work and of the Head Tutor is required for enrollment. May be counted for concentration only with the special permission of the Head Tutor.
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 99. Tutorial — Senior Year
Catalog Number: 7120
Richard J. O’Connell and members of the Department
Full course. Hours to be arranged.
Note: Senior honors candidates must take at least one term of this course (fall or spring) if writing a thesis. Signature of the Head Tutor required for enrollment.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 107. Environmental Geochemistry]
Catalog Number: 1242
Daniel P. Schrag
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
This course offers an overview of low-temperature geochemistry through the treatment of a selection of geochemical issues of environmental significance. The course will contain four units: Radioactivity, Metals in the earth, Carbon Cycle, and Climate Change. Each unit will cover issues of environmental significance in the context of a broader geological perspective with particular emphasis on chemical principles. Students from all concentrations are welcome.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: A course in college-level chemistry or permission from the instructor.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 109. Earth Resources and the Environment
Catalog Number: 2218
John H. Shaw
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30, Labs: to be arranged; 2.5 hours/week (inc. local field trips). EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
The course provides an overview of the earth’s energy and material resources. Following an introduction to hydrocarbons (oil, natural gas, and coal), nuclear fuels, and other economically important ores, the course will emphasize methods used to exploit these resources and the environmental impacts of these operations. Topics include: Coal and acid rain; petroleum, photochemical smog, and oil spills; nuclear power and radioactive hazards; alternative energies (solar, hydroelectric, tidal, geothermal power); metals and mining. Labs will emphasize geologic and geophysical methods for discovering and exploiting resources, including satellite remote sensing and seismic reflection techniques, and environmental remediation approaches.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2001–02. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: EPS 6, 7, or 8, or permission of the instructor.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 131. Introduction to Physical Oceanography
Catalog Number: 2249
Allan R. Robinson
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Elements of the physics and dynamics of the world’s oceans. The observational basis and the fundamental concepts and models required for describing and understanding the range of phenomena that occur on many time and space scales. Water masses, circulation, currents, eddies, waves, microstructure, and turbulence. The implication of physical oceanography for interdisciplinary research, including climate and biogeochemical cycles and ecosystems.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 21 or Applied Mathematics 21, Physics 11 or 15, or permission of instructor.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 132. Introduction to Meteorology
Catalog Number: 8495
Brian F. Farrell
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Physical concepts necessary to understand atmospheric structure and motion. Phenomena studied include the formation of clouds and precipitation, solar and terrestrial radiation, dynamical balance of the large-scale wind, and the origin of cyclones. Concepts developed for understanding today’s atmosphere are applied to understanding the record of past climate change and the prospects for climate change in the future.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 21 or Applied Mathematics 21, Physics 11 or 15, or permission of instructor.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 133. Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry
Catalog Number: 7731
Daniel J. Jacob
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15
A fundamental introduction to the physical and chemical processes determining the composition of the atmosphere and its implications for climate, ecosystems, and human welfare. Origin of the atmosphere. Nitrogen, oxygen, carbon, sulfur cycles. Climate and the greenhouse effect. Atmospheric transport and turbulence. Stratospheric ozone. Oxidizing power of the atmosphere. Regional air pollution: aerosols, smog, acid rain.
Prerequisite: Physics 1, Chemistry 10 or 7, and Mathematics 1.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 140. Geochemical Thermodynamics]
Catalog Number: 1960
Stein B. Jacobsen
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
An introduction to the application of equilibrium thermodynamics to problems in Earth and planetary sciences. The laws of thermodynamics. Thermodynamic functions. Conditions for thermodynamic equalibrium and spontaneous transformations. Systems of variable chemical composition. Partial molar quantities. Selection of components and the Gibbs phase rule. Chemography and petrogenetic grids. Conditions for heterogeneous and homogeneous equilibrium. Equilibrium constants. Fugacities and activities. Entropy of mixing in ideal solid solutions. Calculation of binary and ternary phase diagrams. Conditions for stability. Excess functions. Mixed volatile equilibria. Thermodynamics of aqueous solutions. Examples and problems drawn primarily from igneous and metamorphic petrology and geochemistry.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 10 or equivalent; Mathematics 21a or Applied Mathematics 21a (may be taken concurrently).
Earth and Planetary Sciences 141. Isotope and Trace Element Geochemistry and Geochronology
Catalog Number: 7724
Stein B. Jacobsen
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
An introduction to the application of isotope geochemistry to the problems in earth and planetary sciences. The element and isotope distribution in the Earth and the Solar System. Closed system radioactive decay, Isotope fractionation, Mass balance, mixing and dilution. Radiogenic isotopes. Application of Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Th-Pb, Re-Os and K-Ar isotope systems for geochronology and as tracers for geological processes. Noble gas geochemistry. Extinct nuclides. Cosmogenic nuclides. U-series nuclides and their application to Quaternary chronology. Planetary isotopic evolution. Stable isotope geochemistry. Application of H, C, N, O and S isotopes as tracers of geochemical and biogeochemical processes.
Note: Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 10 or equivalent; EPS 6 or 7 or equivalent (recommended).
Earth and Planetary Sciences 161 (formerly Earth and Planetary Sciences 61). Global Tectonics
Catalog Number: 1854
Richard J. O’Connell
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
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.
Prerequisite: One basic earth science course (e.g., EPS 7 or Science A-24) or permission of instructor. Recommended: Applied Mathematics or Mathematics 21, Physics 11a or 15a.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 166. Introduction to Seismology]
Catalog Number: 1540
Adam M. Dziewonski
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Causes, occurrence, and properties of earthquakes. Earthquakes and tectonics, seismic risk, volcanic eruptions. Propagation of seismic waves, physical properties of the Earth’s crust, core, and mantle. Seismographs and interpretation of recordings of earthquakes. Some aspects of the required mathematical methods (e.g., Fourier transform) are explained.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 21a and 21b or Applied Mathematics 21a and 21b (may be taken concurrently).
Earth and Planetary Sciences 167. Applied Geophysics
Catalog Number: 5143
Adam M. Dziewonski
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. One or two days of field work required. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Geophysical methods used to prospect for oil and minerals and to address environmental problems such as ground water level, radioactive waste storage, estimation of seismic risk. Theory, instrumentation and interpretation of seismic, gravity, electrical and electromagnetic methods.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2001–02. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 21a and 21b or Applied Mathematics 21a and 21b. Some of the required mathematical tools are explained during the course.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 171 (formerly Earth and Planetary Sciences 71). Structural Geology and Tectonics]
Catalog Number: 0319
John H. Shaw
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30; Labs: to be arranged; 2 hours/week and one 3 day field trip. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
An introduction to deformation of Earth materials, including mountain building and plate tectonics, faulting and earthquakes, folding, and ductile deformation. Forces acting on rocks and resultant strains will be examined for a variety of pressure and temperature conditions. Rock fracture and faulting will be studied through numerical approaches, analog experiments, geologic maps, and cross sections. Ductile deformation mechanisms will be examined through microscopic investigation of rock fabrics. Labs will introduce modern applications of structural geology to the energy and environmental industries and for assessing earthquake hazards by using balanced cross sections, seismic reflection data, and satellite imagery.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: EPS 6, 7, or 8, or permission of the instructor.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 180. Sedimentary Basins
Catalog Number: 6992
Paul F. Hoffman
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Formation and evolution of sedimentary basins on continental crust (including passive margins, fore-arc and back-arc basins, rift systems and strike-slip basins, foreland and cratonic basins). Case studies of several examples of each basin type will be examined, with emphasis on stratigraphic architecture and relation to crustal deformation.
Prerequisite: EPS7 or EPS8 or permission of the instructor.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 181. Invertebrate Paleontology
Catalog Number: 5162
Andrew H. Knoll and Charles R. Marshall
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30; 3 hours of lab weekly. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Principles of paleontology and a survey of the major invertebrate taxa. An emphasis on the nature and completeness of the fossil record, taphonomy, systematics, functional and theoretical morphology. Discussion of the importance of fossils for biostratigraphy, paleoecology, and evolutionary theory. Hierarchical views of evolutionary processes: micro- and macroevolution, background and mass extinctions.
Prerequisite: Either Science B-16, Biological Sciences 2 (formerly Biology 2), or permission of instructor.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 201. Physics of the Earth’s Interior]
Catalog Number: 4004
Richard J. O’Connell
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Comprehensive review of the physics of Earth’s interior. Deals primarily with the solid behavior of the Earth. Topics include: continuum mechanics; elastic and viscous materials; physics of solids; thermodynamics; solid body rotational dynamics; and potential theory. Applications include: seismic waves and the structure and state of the Earth’s interior; elastic and viscous deformation of the mantle and lithosphere; gravity field; Earth rotation and dynamics; mantle convection and heat transport.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02.
Prerequisite: Applied Mathematics 105a and 105b, Physics 15 or equivalent. Preparation should be discussed with the instructor.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 202. Introduction to the Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans
Catalog Number: 2624
Allan R. Robinson
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Conceptual, dynamical and observational bases of the geophysical fluid dynamics of the atmosphere and the ocean. Waves, instabilities and turbulence in notating stratified fluids. Potential vorticity, quasigeostrophic dynamics, weather and eddies. The general circulations of the atmosphere, the ocean and the coupled air-sea climate system.
Prerequisite: Applied Mathematics 105b, Physics 11 or 15, or equivalent.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 205. Inverse Theory and Time Series Analysis
Catalog Number: 4426
Adam M. Dziewonski
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Techniques of data analysis and reduction in the Earth sciences. Topics: statistical parameter estimation; Backus-Gilbert linear inference; generalized inversion; stochastic inversion; Bayesian inference and confidence set inference; Fourier series and transforms, discrete Fourier transforms; digital filter design; multichannel filtration.
Prerequisite: Applied Mathematics 105a,b.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 206. Space Geodesy for Earth Scientists]
Catalog Number: 8218
James L. Davis
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Space geodesy for the study of the solid Earth, the atmosphere, and the ocean. The determination of geophysical signals from space geodetic observables. Topics include the Global Positioning System, very long baseline interferometry, satellite-laser ranging, the TOPEX/POSEIDON altimeter, interferometric SAR, and several future space missions.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02. Given in alternate years.
[*Earth and Planetary Sciences 207r. Geochemical Oceanography]
Catalog Number: 1602
Daniel P. Schrag
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Topics in low-temperature geochemistry, oceanography, and climatology will be discussed. Students will read and present journal articles on relevant topics, and will rotate responsibility for leading discussions.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02. Given in alternate years.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 221. Topics in Environmental Microbiology
Catalog Number: 7183
Ralph Mitchell
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Discussion of current research on environmental microbiology. Bioremediation of hazardous chemicals. New approaches to pest control. Ecological disturbances and emergent new diseases. The fate of genetically engineered microorganisms. Indicators of water-borne disease.
Prerequisite: An introductory biology course.
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 231. Physical and Dynamical Oceanography
Catalog Number: 6492
Allan R. Robinson
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Theory and observation of the general ocean circulation and its variabilities; the fields of temperature, salinity, and density of the ocean; relationship to intermediate and small scale transient and turbulent processes. Topics in interdisciplinary dynamics of the sea.
Prerequisite: Applied Mathematics 105b or permission of instructor; should ordinarily be taken after EPS 202.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 232. Dynamic Meteorology
Catalog Number: 5344
Brian F. Farrell
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
The atmosphere understood as a fluid dynamical system. Observations of atmospheric motions on a wide range of scales and the relation of these motions to weather and climate. Applications of the equations governing atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics to specific phenomena including cyclogenesis, stationary waves, and the formation of fronts.
Prerequisite: Applied Mathematics 105b or permission of instructor.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 236. Atmospheric Physics
Catalog Number: 7250
Steven C. Wofsy
Half course (spring term). M., W., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
A comprehensive treatment of the chemical cycles of gases and aerosols containing carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur on the earth. Biologican and geochemical mechanisms regulating global processes will e discussed in the framework of observations of the earth system. Global atmospheric change in response to human and natural influences and the origin and evolution of atmospheric gases will be examined.
Note: Students specializing in this area are expected to take EPS 200 and 236. These courses may serve as an introduction to atmospheric and oceanic processes for other students with strong preparation.
Prerequisite: Applied Mathematics 105b (may be taken concurrently), Physics 11 or 15, and Chemistry 10, or more advanced courses; or permission of the instructors.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 240. Geochemical Kinetics
Catalog Number: 0187
Stein B. Jacobsen
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Irreversible thermodynamics, heat flow and diffusion equations and K-U-Th geochemistry. Mass transfer between reservoirs; mantle and crustal evolution, geochemical cycles, determination of temperature-time-pressure histories of rocks from radiogenic isotope systems, geothermometers and geobarometers. Geochemical studies of hydrothermal systems, metasomatism, and diagenesis.
Note: Applied Mathematics 105a,b are recommended. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: EPS 140, Mathematics 21a,b or Applied Mathematics 21a, b.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 241. Isotope and Trace Element Geochemistry]
Catalog Number: 1680
Stein B. Jacobsen
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Cosmic abundances, meteorites, bulk composition of the Earth’s crust and mantle, geochemical cycles, residence times, element partition rules, mixing processes, stable isotopes, radiogenic isotopes, critical evaluation of experimental data. Application of mass spectrometry for the determination of isotope and trace element variations.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 21a,b or Applied Mathematics 21a, b, and EPS 140.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 242. Biogeochemistry of Light Stable Isotopes
Catalog Number: 8808 Enrollment: Limited to 10. Limited to 10.
Daniel P. Schrag
Half course (fall term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Introduction to the theory and methodology of stable isotope biogeochemistry. Topics include isotope ratio mass spectrometry, biological fractionation of carbon and nitrogen isotopes, distribution of isotopes in terrestrial and marine ecosystems, applications to climate reconstruction, and multiple stable isotope techniques. Laboratory sessions provide an introduction to analytical methods and include an independent research project.
Note: Given in alternate years.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 260. Topics in Geophysics: The Core-Mantle Boundary]
Catalog Number: 2908
Jeremy Bloxham and Richard J. O’Connell
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
The course will address the physics and chemistry of the core-mantle boundary region. Topics will include the cooling of the core by the mantle and the thermal and chemical evolution of the core: core-mantle interactions, including the exchange of angular momentum between the core and the nature of D", including constraints on topography on the core-mantle boundary, anisotropy, and low velocity zones.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02. This course will be given simultaneously with a research seminar in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences at MIT and will involve participants from both institutions.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 263. Earthquake Source Processes
Catalog Number: 0542
James R. Rice
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 11, 12
Elastic radiation from faults in relation to source dynamics. Quantification of earthquakes; source parameters and scaling laws. Dynamic fracture theory. Friction laws; effective stress. State of stress in Earth’s crust. Strength and rheology of faults. Earthquake instability and rupture propagnation models. Spatio-temporal complexity of seismic response. Seismotectonics. Stressing and sesismicity in the earthquake cycle. Seismicity rate changes and hazard modification due to nearby earthquakes.
Prerequisite: EPS 166 or equivalent and further advanced study at the 200 level in seismology or solid mechanics.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 264r. Topics in Planetary Magnetism]
Catalog Number: 1429
Jeremy Bloxham
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Theoretical and observational aspects of planetary magnetism, focused on Earth’s magnetic field. Topics: observations of Earth’s and other planets’ magnetic fields and field mapping at core boundary; determination of core radius and fluid flow within core; core structure and dynamics; core energetics; rotation and convection; core magnetohydrodynamics and magnetic field generation; kinematic and dynamic dynamo theory.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02.
Prerequisite: Applied Mathematics 105a,b, Physics 153 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 265r. Topics in Geodynamics
Catalog Number: 0816
Richard J. O’Connell
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Topics in the dynamics of processes in the Earth’s interior and the physical properties of the Earth’s interior, including: thermal convection and flow in the mantle, heat transport, rheology of the mantle, plate motions, plate deformation, physical properties of rocks and minerals.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 266r. Topics in Seismology: Earth Structure]
Catalog Number: 2895
Adam M. Dziewonski
Half course (spring term). W., 2:30–5. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8, 9
Topics in seismology related to investigation of the elastic and anelastic structure of the deep interior of the Earth using normal modes, surface waves, and body waves. Theory, observation, and interpretation. Emphasis on 3-D seismic tomography. Topics vary from year to year.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02.
Prerequisite: EPS 166, Applied Mathematics 105a,b, or equivalent.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 267. Global Seismology
Catalog Number: 4091
Adam M. Dziewonski and Göran Ekström
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 2–3:30. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Treats the theory and observational techniques used in the study of low-frequency seismic waves in the Earth. Free oscillations of a spherical Earth; effects of rotation, asphericity and heterogeneity. Mode splitting and coupling. Surface and body waves: dispersion attenuation, refraction and reflection. Seismic source representation and retrieval; centroid-moment tensor (CMT) analysis.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2001–02. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Applied math 105a, b or EPS 166 or equivalent preparation.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 268r. Topics in Seismology: Earthquakes]
Catalog Number: 3021
Göran Ekström
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Topics in seismology related to the earthquake source process. Focuses on observational and computational methods for determining earthquake parameters from seismic data. Kinematic and dynamic models of the earthquake source and their parameterization; modeling of seismic waveforms; inverse methods for parameter estimation. Topics vary from year to year.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02.
Prerequisite: EPS 166, or equivalent.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 270r (formerly Earth and Planetary Sciences 270). Structural Interpretation of Seismic Data
Catalog Number: 8230
John H. Shaw
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Methods of interpreting complex geologic structures imaged in 2 and 3-dimensional seismic reflection data. Emphasis is placed on defining regional structural styles in extensional basins, fold-and-thrust belts, and strike-slip systems. Methods of integrated surface geology, well logs, and remote sensing data into structural interpretation will be described. Students will work on independent projects analyzing seismic grids and 3D volumes.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2001–02. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: EPS 71 or equivalent.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 271r (formerly Earth and Planetary Sciences 271). Supercontinents]
Catalog Number: 2515
Paul F. Hoffman
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Geodynamics of the assembly and fragmentation of supercontinents through geologic time. The relationships of supercontinents to mantle convection and plumes, geomagnetic reversal frequency, and true polar wander. Supercontinents and their effects on ocean circulation, eustasy, paleoclimates, and biological evolution. Comparrative tectonics of Archean, Proterozoic,and Phanerozoic supercontinents.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02.
Prerequisite: Two of EPS 5, EPS 7, EPS 8, or permission of the instructor.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 281r (formerly Earth and Planetary Sciences 281). Snowball Earth Phenomena
Catalog Number: 2474
Paul F. Hoffman and Daniel P. Schrag
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Theory and observations pertaining to the snowball earth hypothesis, including climate models, paleomagnetic constraints, sedimentological phenomena, geochemical perturbations, isotopic anomalies, and biological implications. Snowball events in Earth history and their spatial and temporal variability. Strengths and weaknesses of existing explanations, alternative hypotheses, and testable predictions. Evolution of the hypothesis and reactions to it, as an example of how scientists respond to radical ideas.
Prerequisite: One basic earth science course (e.g., EPS5, EPS6, EPS7, EPS8, Science A-24, Science A-30, Science A-37, Science B-16, Science B-34) or permission of the instructors.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 285r. Analytical Paleontology
Catalog Number: 2132
Charles R. Marshall
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
A general treatment of different approaches to designing and testing quantitative models in paleobiology. Topics include, but will not be restricted to: determining times of origin and extinction; dissecting diversity dynamics; assessing the absolute completeness of the fossil record; stratigraphy and phylogeny reconstruction.
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 331. Atmospheric Chemistry
Catalog Number: 4038
Daniel J. Jacob 1781
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 332. Dynamic Meteorology
Catalog Number: 2802
Brian F. Farrell 7628
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 333. Atmospheric Chemistry: Research Seminar
Catalog Number: 1510
Daniel J. Jacob 1781 and Members of the Department
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). F., at 12.
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 334. Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry
Catalog Number: 4886
Michael B. McElroy 2462
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 335. Physical and Dynamical Oceanography
Catalog Number: 3095
Allan R. Robinson 2133
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 337. Biological Oceanography
Catalog Number: 5704
James J. McCarthy 4343 (on leave fall term)
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 338. Atmospheric Chemistry
Catalog Number: 7596
Steven C. Wofsy 4396
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 340. Topics in Isotope Geochemistry: Research Seminar
Catalog Number: 2881
Stein B. Jacobsen 7212
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 341. Isotope Geochemistry
Catalog Number: 7103
Stein B. Jacobsen 7212
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 344. Topics in Stable Isotope Geochemistry and Geochemical Oceanography
Catalog Number: 6291
Daniel P. Schrag 3054 (on leave spring term)
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 362. Dynamo Theory: Research Seminar
Catalog Number: 1840
Jeremy Bloxham 2047
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 363. Tectonophysics, Earthquake Source Physics
Catalog Number: 8664
James R. Rice 7270
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 364. Geophysics
Catalog Number: 1438
Jeremy Bloxham 2047
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 365. Geophysics
Catalog Number: 5632
Richard J. O’Connell 3642
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 367. Seismology
Catalog Number: 4447
Adam M. Dziewonski 3641
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 368. Seismology
Catalog Number: 4932
Göran Ekström 2682
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 370. Structural Analysis
Catalog Number: 9046
John H. Shaw 3699
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 380. Precambrian Geology
Catalog Number: 1161
Paul F. Hoffman 1507
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 383. Paleobiology
Catalog Number: 7946
Stephen J. Gould 1707
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 385. Analytical Paleontology
Catalog Number: 8129
Charles R. Marshall 2823 (2823)
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 387. Paleobotany
Catalog Number: 6983
Andrew H. Knoll 7425