Internal Constitution of the Earth

4 credits

An examination of current knowledge about the composition and state of the Earth’s interior revealed by geophysical observations. Seismic velocity and mass density distributions; equations of state; phase changes; energy balance and temperatures; constraints on composition from extraterrestrial samples and exposed rocks; spherical and aspherical variations of properties. Recommended preparation: calculus and differential equations, basic chemistry and physics. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.