Topics in Mineral Physics and Chemistry: Material Transport Properties and Geodynamics
E-PSCI 248
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
This seminar course will generally focus on recent advances in
understanding the physical and chemical properties of minerals and melts at extreme pressures and temperatures, with implications for the properties, composition, formation, and evolution of Earth and planetary cores and mantles. Students will read and present journal articles or chapters on relevant topics, and will rotate responsibility for leading discussions. Specific topics will vary each year offered. In Spring 2027, this course will highlight some of the important connections between material transport properties (e.g., viscosity and deformation behavior, diffusion, electrical and thermal conductivity) and large-scale geodynamic processes (e.g., convection and tectonics, magnetic field generation, core crystallization) in the interiors of Earth and other planets/moons.
Course Notes
The schedule for this course will be decided in consultation with students.
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
