ESS 436
Planetary Physics and Chemistry
Provides introduction to the physics and chemistry that govern planetary interiors, surfaces, atmospheres, and dynamics. Topics include: planetary surface processes such as cratering and volcanism; planetary interiors, heat flow, and tectonics; gravity, dynamics, and tides; planetary atmospheres, radiative transfer, and climate; meteorites and cosmochemistry; and the origin of planetary systems. Prerequisite: MATH 125; and either PHYS 114 and PHYS 117, PHYS 121, or PHYS 141; recommended: familiarity with single variable differentiation and integration.
Topics
- planetary surface processes such as cratering and volcanism
- planetary interiors
- heat flow
- and tectonics
- gravity
- dynamics
- and tides
- planetary atmospheres
- radiative transfer
- and climate
- meteorites and cosmochemistry
- and the origin of planetary systems
Topics explicitly listed in official catalogue description
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗Current public catalogue; retrieved 2026-11-05