GEOL3037 Deep Earth and Planetary Modelling

Annual Monitoring

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Course Notes and Details (UCL students only)

AIMS
The course aims to provide an understanding of key topics in the deep Earth. Particular emphasis is placed on the interdisciplinary nature of modern deep-Earth geophysics, with specific examples from current research.

OUTCOMES
• an appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of modern deep Earth research techniques
• critical evaluation of current and competing theories for the dynamics of the solid-Earth
• appreciation for melting behaviour in the mantle as a trigger to volcanism over different time scales
• analysis and synthesis of separate lines of investigation from observational geophysics to laboratory experimentation and numerical modeling of deep-Earth properties
• synthesis of these lines of investigation into models of geodynamical process

Practical and Transferable Outcomes:
• critical evaluation of information, ideas and interpretations;
• use of the various information sources;
• effective communication of information in writing.

CONTENT
The course covers current understanding of dynamics and properties of the deep Earth using observational, laboratory and theoretical techniques, and includes:
• the light element content, fine structure and physical properties (eg magnetism) of the core
• complexity at the core-mantle boundary
• deep mantle convection and geodynamics of plate subduction
• partial melting behaviour of the mantle and volcanic response
• the deep carbon cycle
• melting models for large scale meteorite impacts

This page last modified 26 August, 2009 by WebMaster