Earth and Planetary Sciences 7. Introduction to Geological Sciences
Catalog Number: 0918
Sujoy Mukhopadhyay and Adam M. Dziewonski
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 10, and three hours of laboratory work each week and two day-long field trips on separate weekends required. EXAM GROUP: 3
A course designed for concentrators but also appropriate for non-concentrators who desire a broad introduction to Earth science. Evolution of the Earth with an emphasis on the processes that have shaped our planet. The theory of plate tectonics is used to explain the occurrence and distribution of earthquakes, volcanoes and mountains. Labs and the weekend field trips familiarize students with rock types, geological features, and illustrate how geologists infer processes from the rock record.
Note: Also appropriate for non-EPS concentrators who desire a comprehensive introduction to Earth science. This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Science A.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 8. History of the Earth
Catalog Number: 0166
Peter John Huybers and Andrew H. Knoll
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30, and two hours of laboratory work each week as well as one field trip. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Examines the major stages and critical events in the history of the Earth, with emphasis on the interactions between global tectonics, the climate system, and biological evolution. Topics range 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. Laboratories introduce methods of investigation and analysis of the geological record.
Prerequisite: Secondary-school courses in science (physics, chemistry, biology) and calculus.
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 74. Field Geology
Catalog Number: 7239
John H. Shaw
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Attend a domestic or overseas geological summer field school of 3-6 weeks duration to learn methods of obtaining and interpreting field observations, and preparing geological maps, stratigraphic sections and field reports. Field schools are selected students individually with the advice and approval of the instructor.
Note: Students must notify the instructor and Academic Administrator of intention to enroll by Study Card Day of the preceding spring term.
Prerequisite: EPS 7, 8, 150 or 171, are recommended; or permission of instructor.
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 91r. Supervised Reading and Research
Catalog Number: 1462
Steven C. Wofsy, Ann Pearson 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 the Academic Administrator is required for enrollment.
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 99r. Tutorial — Senior Year
Catalog Number: 7120
Steven C. Wofsy, Ann Pearson 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 thesis adviser and Academic Administrator required for enrollment.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 107. Environmental Geochemistry]
Catalog Number: 1242
Sujoy Mukhopadhyay and Ann Pearson
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
An overview of low-temperature geochemistry through the treatment of a selection of geochemical issues of environmental significance. Each unit places geochemical topics 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 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: A course in college-level chemistry or permission of the instructors.
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, and three hours of laboratory work each week. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
An overview of the Earth’s energy and material resources. Following introductions to hydrocarbons, nuclear fuels, and other economically important ores, the course emphasizes 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; metals and mining. Labs emphasize methods for discovering and exploiting resources, as well as environmental remediation approaches.
Note: Given in alternate years. Expected to be omitted in 2009-10.
Prerequisite: EPS 7, 8; or permission of the instructor.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 121. Terrestrial Planets]
Catalog Number: 8577
Sarah Stewart-Mukhopadhyay
Half course (spring term). F., at 12, W., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 5, 8, 9
The physical and chemical processes that influence the initial condition, evolution, and current state of terrestrial planets, focusing on the comparative evolution of Venus, Earth, Mars, and large moons. Topics include: planet formation, evolution of atmospheres, interior composition and equations of state, core formation, differentiation, thermal evolution, and major surface modification processes.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Physics 11a, b; or permission of instructor.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 131. Introduction to Physical Oceanography and Climate]
Catalog Number: 2249
Eli Tziperman
Half course (spring term). M., Th., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8, 16
Basic observations and theoretical understanding of ocean phenomena from local surface beach waves to the effects of the oceans on global climate. Observations and dynamics of ocean waves, currents, turbulence, temperature and salinity distributions; basic fluid dynamics equations; the ocean’s role in climate: wind-driven circulation and the Gulf stream, thermohaline circulation and the potential instability of Europe’s climate, El Niño, the oceans and global warming.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Given in alternate years. When offered, a field trip to Cape Cod and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will be included.
Prerequisite: Applied Mathematics 21a, b; Physics 11 or 15; or permission of instructor.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 132. Introduction to Meteorology and Climate
Catalog Number: 8495
Brian F. Farrell
Half course (spring 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. Atmospheric Chemistry
Catalog Number: 7731
Daniel J. Jacob
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
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, trace metal 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: Physical Sciences 1, 2, Mathematics 1b; or equivalents.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 137. Biogeochemistry
Catalog Number: 1923
Ann Pearson
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Introduction to biological and organic chemistry of the Earth’s environment. Primary focus on the cycles of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen with emphasis on processes occurring at the molecular level. Includes an introduction to light stable isotope geochemistry and the isotopic records of individual biomolecules in marine and terrestrial environments.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: A course in college-level chemistry or equivalent. Chemistry 17 or 27 strongly recommended.
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
The origin of the element and isotope distribution in the Earth and the Solar System. Closed system radioactive decay, isotope fractionation, mass balance and mixing. Application of Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Th-Pb, Lu-Hf, Re-Os and K-Ar isotope systems for geochronology and as tracers for geological processes. Noble gas geochemistry. Extinct nuclides. Cosmogenic nuclides. U-Th-series nuclides. Planetary isotopic evolution. Stable isotope geochemistry. Application of H, C, N, O and S isotopes as tracers of geochemical and biogeochemical processes.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: A course in college-level chemistry or equivalent; EPS 7 or equivalent (recommended).
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 145. Introduction to Igneous Petrology and Petrogenesis]
Catalog Number: 5940
Charles H. Langmuir
Half course (fall term). M., W., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
How igneous rocks form and reveal the processes and fluxes involved in the circulation of the solid Earth. The course begins with the essential elements of igneous petrology—rock description and nomenclature, mineralogy, phase diagrams, processes of melting and crystallization, trace elements. We then consider the formation of igneous rocks at modern igneous settings—spreading centers, convergent margins and ocean islands. We conclude with investigations of igneous phenomenon of the past, such as large igneous flood basalt provinces, anorthosites, komatites and the igneous history of the Moon.
Note: Given in alternate years. Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 150. Earth-like Planets and Planetary Materials
Catalog Number: 4726
Stein B. Jacobsen
Half course (spring term). M., W., 1–2:30, lab: F., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Rocks and minerals—clues to understanding the origin and evolution of planetary surface environments, crusts and mantles. Principles of mineral structures, phase equilibria, and the origin of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Primitive meteorites, martian meteorites, lunar samples and terrestrial rocks, including how timescales, origin and evolution of planets can be inferred from studies of rocks and minerals. Classification, identification, chemical and isotopic measurements of rocks and minerals in the laboratory.
Prerequisite: EPS 7 or Science A-24; a course in college-level chemistry or equivalent; or permission of instructor.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 161. Global Tectonics
Catalog Number: 1854
Richard J. O’Connell
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
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.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: One basic earth science course (e.g., EPS 7 or Science A-24) or permission of instructor. Applied Mathematics or Mathematics 21a and b, Physics 11a or 15a recommended.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 166. Introduction to Seismology
Catalog Number: 1540
Miaki Ishii and Adam M. Dziewonski
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
An overview of the basic observations and methods of seismology. Earthquake detection, geometry, characteristics and relation to tectonics. Seismic stations and different types of data (body waves, surface waves, and normal modes). One-dimensional and three-dimensional structures of the Earth as inferred from seismology and implications for composition and dynamics. Seismic methods used in oil/gas exploration and environmental geophysics.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 21a, b or Applied Mathematics 21a, b (may be taken concurrently); or equivalent.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 171. Structural Geology and Tectonics]
Catalog Number: 0319
John H. Shaw
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30, and three hours of laboratory work each week. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
An introduction to the deformation of Earth materials, including the processes of mountain building and plate tectonics, faulting and earthquakes, folding, and ductile deformation. Structures are examined using geologic maps, balanced cross sections, seismic reflection data, satellite imagery, microscopic analysis, analog experiments, and numerical methods. Labs emphasize the applications of structural geology in the energy and environmental industries, and for assessing earthquake hazards.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: EPS 7 or 8; or permission of instructor.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 181. Paleontology and Historical Geobiology]
Catalog Number: 5162
Andrew H. Knoll
Half course (fall term). M., W., at 11, and three hours of laboratory weekly. EXAM GROUP: 4
Principles of paleontology, including the nature and completeness of the fossil record, systematics, biostratigraphy, and paleoecology; principal focus on the fossil record of evolution in the oceans and its relationship to Earth’s dynamic environmental history.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: EPS 8, OEB 10; 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). Tu., Th., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
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: Expected to be omitted in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Applied Mathematics 105a, b; Physics 15 or equivalent. Preparation should be discussed with the instructor.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 202. Mechanics in Earth and Environmental Science] - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 9798
James R. Rice
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 9. EXAM GROUP: 2
Introduction to the mechanics of fluids and solids, organized around earth and environmental phenomena. Conservation laws, stress, deformation and flow. Inviscid fluids and ocean gravity waves; Coriolis dominated large scale flows. Viscosity and groundwater seepage; convective cells; boundary layers. Turbulent stream flows; flood surges; sediment transport. Elasticity and seismic waves. Poro-mechanics and consolidation. Creep and glacial flow. Cracking and faulting. Landslides and debris flows.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Calculus-based introductory physics at level of Physics 11 a, b or 15 a, b and Mathematics at the level of Applied Mathematics 21 and 105b (may be taken concurrently).
Earth and Planetary Sciences 203. Earthquakes and Faulting
Catalog Number: 4472
Brendan J. Meade and John H. Shaw
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Earthquake phenomenology in the context of plate tectonics. Continuum mechanics and elastic deformation. Earthquake cycle models and constraints from tectonic geodesy. Earthquake geology and paleoseismology. Deformation rates and fault system structure. Quantitative seismic hazard analysis.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Applied Mathematics 21a, b.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 204 (formerly Earth and Planetary Sciences 267). Global Seismology]
Catalog Number: 4091
Miaki Ishii and Adam M. Dziewonski
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Fundamental concepts used in seismology as a tool in studying the Earth’s deep interior. Topics include stress/strain/elasticity theory, the seismic wave equation, ray theory, surface waves and normal modes, source theory, and inverse methods.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Applied Math 105b (may be taken concurrently), or permission of instructors.
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 Earth systems. Measurement of geophysical signals from space geodetic observations. Crustal deformation from tectonic, loading, and other origins; gravity and geopotential; atmospheric studies, including GPS-occultation and tomography; applications to oceans and glaciers.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2009–10. 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 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 208. Physics of Climate
Catalog Number: 6561
Zhiming Kuang
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Overview of the basic features of the climate system (global energy balance, atmospheric general circulation, ocean circulation, and climate variability) and the underlying physical processes.
Prerequisite: Applied Mathematics 105b (may be taken concurrently), Physics 11a, b or 15; or permission of the instructor.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 209. Paleoclimate]
Catalog Number: 5594
Peter John Huybers
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Earth’s past climates are explored. Topics including glaciation, surface temperature excursions, and changes in ocean circulation are addressed using theory, models, and statistical analysis of the paleoclimate record.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 210. Introduction to Isotope and Trace Element Geochemistry
Catalog Number: 9146
Sujoy Mukhopadhyay and staff
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
The course emphasizes the principles of isotope and trace element geochemistry and their application to relevant problems in Earth and Planetary Sciences. Problems to be addressed include planet formation and differentiation, ocean chemistry, and climate reconstruction.
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 231. Climate Dynamics
Catalog Number: 6492
Eli Tziperman
Half course (spring term). M., Th., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8, 16
Climate and climate variability phenomena and mechanisms using a hierarchical modeling approach. Basics: El Niño and thermohaline circulation, abrupt, millennial and glacial-interglacial variability, equable climates.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Background in geophysical fluid dynamics or permission of instructor.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 232. Dynamic Meteorology
Catalog Number: 5344
Brian F. Farrell
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
The atmosphere understood as a fluid dynamical system. Observations of atmospheric motions related to weather and climate. Application of the equations of atmospheric dynamics to explaining phenomena such as jet streams, cyclones and fronts.
Prerequisite: Applied Mathematics 105b; or permission of instructor.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 236. Environmental Modeling
Catalog Number: 7250
Steven C. Wofsy and Daniel J. Jacob
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Chemical transport models: principles, numerical methods. Inverse models: Bayes’ theorem, optimal estimation, Kalman filter, adjoint methods. Analysis of environmental data: visualization, time series analysis, Monte Carlo methods, statistical assessment. Students prepare projects and presentations.
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); a course in atmospheric chemistry (EPS 133 or 200 or equivalent); or permission of the instructors.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 237. Advanced Biogeochemistry]
Catalog Number: 9320
Ann Pearson
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Covers topics from EPS 137 at in-depth, accelerated pace. Course emphasizes reactions at the molecular and isotopic level using biomarkers to understand natural processes. Considers complex microbial assemblages with attention to current and ancient records of earth systems.
Note: Given in alternate years. Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Prerequisite: EPS 137 or equivalent; or permission of instructor.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 238. Spectroscopy and Radiative Transfer of Atmospheres]
Catalog Number: 1891
Kelly V. Chance
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Absorption, emission, and scattering, emphasizing Earth’s atmosphere. Atmospheric spectroscopic properties for various measurement geometries. Quantitative spectroscopy and atmospheric structure are reviewed. Radiative transfer modeling and simulation and interpretation of atmospheric spectra from microwave through ultraviolet.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Ability to program in a high-level computer language (may be learned in parallel with the permission of the instructor).
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 240. Geochemical Transport and Kinetics]
Catalog Number: 0187
Stein B. Jacobsen
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Irreversible thermodynamics, heat flow and diffusion. K-U-Th geochemistry. Mass transfer between geochemical reservoirs; modeling of mantle melting, mantle and crustal evolution, geochemical cycles. Determination of temperature-time-pressure histories of rocks from radiogenic isotopes and phase equilibria.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Applied Mathematics 105a, b are recommended. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 21a, b or Applied Mathematics 21a, b.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 241. Isotope Geochemistry and Processes of Planetary Evolution
Catalog Number: 1680
Stein B. Jacobsen
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
The composition and the evolution of the Solar Nebula. Application of radiogenic and stable isotopes to study the processes of formation and evolution of planetary crusts, mantles, and cores.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 242. Low Temperature Geochemistry (formerly Biogeochemistry of Light Stable Isotopes)
Catalog Number: 8808 Enrollment: Limited to 10.
Daniel P. Schrag
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
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, and applications to climate reconstruction.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 243. Geochemical and Cosmochemical Thermodynamics ]
Catalog Number: 2002
Stein B. Jacobsen
Half course (fall term). M., W., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
The laws of thermodynamics. Equilibrium and spontaneous transformations in systems of variable chemical composition. Components, phase rule and petrogenetic grids. Calculation of phase diagrams. Applications to cosmochemistry, igneous and metamorphic petrology, and environmental geochemistry.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: A course in college-level chemistry or equivalent; Mathematics 21a or Applied Mathematics 21a (may be taken concurrently).
Earth and Planetary Sciences 250. Topics in Planetary Sciences
Catalog Number: 1225
Sarah Stewart-Mukhopadhyay
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Research seminar on current problems in planetary sciences. Topics: impact processes, planetary surface processes, planet formation, and subjects related to current spacecraft
missions.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2009–10. Given in alternate years or upon announcement.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 255r. Topics in Tropical Dynamics]
Catalog Number: 8807
Zhiming Kuang
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Research seminar on current problems in tropical dynamics. Students will read and present journal articles on relevant topics, and will rotate responsibility for leading discussions.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 260. Topics in Geophysics]
Catalog Number: 2908
Richard J. O’Connell, Miaki Ishii, and Brendan J. Meade
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
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: Expected to be given in 2009–10. This course is coordinated with a research course at MIT.
[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. Topics: observations of Earth’s and other planets magnetic fields; core structure, dynamics and energetics; rotation and convection; magnetohydrodynamics and magnetic field generation; kinematic and dynamic dynamo theory.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
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 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. Expected to be omitted in 2009–10.
[*Earth and Planetary Sciences 269r. Crustal Dynamics]
Catalog Number: 8157
Brendan J. Meade
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Research seminar on current problems in crustal dynamics. Students will read and present journal articles on relevant topics, and will rotate responsibility for leading discussions.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 270r. 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. Methods of integrated geologic and remote sensing data will be described. Students will complete independent projects analyzing seismic data on workstations.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: EPS 171 or equivalent.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 272r. Topics in Structural Geology
Catalog Number: 1546
John H. Shaw
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Seminar course investigating recent advances in structural geology and exploration geophysics with applications in earthquake science and the petroleum industry. Specific topics vary from year to year.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2009–10. Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: EPS 171 or equivalent. Intended for graduate and advanced undergraduate students involved in structural geology research.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 281r. Great Papers in Earth Sciences
Catalog Number: 2474
Peter John Huybers and Eli Tziperman
Half course (spring term). W., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
A survey and discussion of groundbreaking papers from across the Earth sciences.
Earth and Planetary Sciences 290. Scientific Communication - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 6610
Sarah Stewart-Mukhopadhyay
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Teaches students how to effectively, communicate scientific concepts focusing on short oral presentations based on current journal articles drawn from Earth and Planetary Sciences. Technical presentation skills (delivery, managing nervousness, etc.) developed through weekly practice and detailed feedback.
Note: Recommended for EPS graduate students in their 1st or 2nd year. Topics include: differences between written and oral communication; structure and organization of short vs. long and general vs. technical talks; and effective use of visualizations including poster presentations.
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 330. Climate Atmospheric Chemistry and Free Radical Kinetics
Catalog Number: 3810
James G. Anderson 6057
*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. Environmental Chemistry - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 4927
Scot T. Martin 3365
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 334. Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry
Catalog Number: 4886
Michael B. McElroy 2462
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 335. Climate Dynamics and Physical Oceanography
Catalog Number: 3095
Eli Tziperman 4748
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 336. Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
Catalog Number: 8851
Eli Tziperman 4748
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 337. Biological Oceanography
Catalog Number: 5704
James J. McCarthy 4343
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 338. Atmospheric Chemistry
Catalog Number: 7596
Steven C. Wofsy 4396
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 339. Biogeochemistry
Catalog Number: 9843
Ann Pearson 4224
*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 342. Topics in Atmospheric and Climate Dynamics
Catalog Number: 1732
Zhiming Kuang 5285
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 343. Topics in Quantitative Analysis of the Climate Record
Catalog Number: 2979
Peter John Huybers 5746
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 344. Topics in Stable Isotope Geochemistry and Geochemical Oceanography
Catalog Number: 6291
Daniel P. Schrag 3054
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 345. Solid Earth Geochemistry
Catalog Number: 7979
Charles H. Langmuir 4293
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 346. Topics in Noble Gas Geochemistry
Catalog Number: 2928
Sujoy Mukhopadhyay 4621
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 347. Topics in Environmental Policy
Catalog Number: 4360
John P. Holdren (Kennedy School, FAS) 2673
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 362. Dynamo Theory: Research Seminar
Catalog Number: 1840
Jeremy Bloxham 2047
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 363. Seismology and Tectonophysics: Geomechanics, 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 (on leave spring term)
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 368. Seismology
Catalog Number: 4932
Miaki Ishii 5493
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 369. Topics in Active Tectonics
Catalog Number: 5904
Brendan J. Meade 5340
*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 (on leave fall term)
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 385. Analytical Paleontology
Catalog Number: 8129
Charles R. Marshall 2823
*Earth and Planetary Sciences 387. Paleobotany
Catalog Number: 6983
Andrew H. Knoll 7425 (on leave fall term)