Planetary Cratering

Impact cratering is arguably the most pervasive geologic process in the solar system. This course will study the physical process of impact cratering and its place in planetary science. The course will take a process oriented approach to understanding impact cratering with firm foundations in geologic observation and impact experiments. To explore the extreme process of impact cratering, we will use continuum/rock mechanics, thermodynamics, numerical modeling, experiments, and observations. Principal topics will include the formation of craters from contact of the projectile to final crater morphology; shock metamorphism; impact ejecta and products; cratered terrains; impacts and planetary evolution; and impact hazards.