Fundamentals of Global Geophysics

Harvard FAS

This course introduces the fundamental physical processes governing the structure, dynamics, and evolution of the Earth. Using principles from classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and continuum mechanics, students develop a quantitative understanding of topics including the Earth's shape and rotation, gravity, mantle convection, plate tectonics, geomagnetism, Earth tides, glacial isostatic adjustment, and Earth's thermal evolution. The course combines theoretical analysis…