Lecture Topics
I. Origin of Solar System and Constraints on Earth's Composition and State
II. Observations of Earth's Interior (Mass, Angular Momentum, Direct Sampling, Seismology) and Models of Earth (Composition, Thermal, Mechanical)
III. Thermodynamics and Equations of State of Individual Phases
IV. Phase Equilibria of Mantle and Core
V. Thermal and Mechanical Models of Lithosphere and Asthenosphere
VI. Mantle Convection
VII. Selected Topics (e.g., Seismic Anisotropy of Mantle and Inner Core)
VIII. Student Presentations

Mineral Physics Laboratory Involving physical properties (Density, Elastic, and Acoustic Velocity) measurements using high pressure Multi-Anvil Apparatus (to 10GPa) Students will test pressure system data acquisition calibrate for internal pressure, prepare samples high pressure assemblies furnaces, and thermocouples execute experiments measure physical properties at high pressure evaluate results in their laboratory reports

Term Paper On any Topic of the Student's choice regarding the Interior of the Earth or other planetary bodies. Paper will follow format of J. Geophysical Res. or Geophysics with an abstract, text, and discussion of limited lengths, and with full references to the recent literature.

Laboratory Schedule
(1) Tour of High Pressure Labs and Rock Deformation Experiment Demonstration Week 1
(2) Cubic Apparatus and High Pressure Methods Week 2
(3) High Pressure Methods, Assignment of Lab Teams Week 3
(4) Data Analysis of High Pressure Data Week 4
(5) Independent Lab Preparation Weeks 5-7
(6) Reports on Apparatus System and Status Week 8
(7) Independent Lab Preparation Week 9
(8) Conduct Experiments Week 10
(9) Data Analysis Week 11
(10) Laboratory Project Report Submitted Week 12

Possible Term Paper Topics
1. Equations of State of the Earth's Interior a. Finite-Strain Theory (Birch) b. Shock wave, laboratory measurements (Ringwood-Green, Anderson)
2. Phase Transitions in the Earth (400 km-600 km discontinuity, Low Velocity zone)
3. Heat flow, heat production, composition of the Mantle and Crust (Roy, Blackwell, Birch, Decker; Sass, Lachenbruch, Lee, Clark, Ringwood)
4. Inverting travel times (velocities, density, moduli) a. Jeffreys-Bullen, Herrin, Hales, Toksoz b. Inverse problems (Backus, Gilbert, Wiggins)
5. Travel-Time Residuals, Tomography (Inhomogeneities in the Earth's interior), Correlation with gravity anomalies, heat-flow distribution, magnetic-field distribution.
6. Anisotropy of the Deep Crust, Upper Mantle, or Inner Core.
7. Core-Mantle Topography, D''
8. Deep Focus Earthquakes, Mechanisms and Characteristics
9. Water in the Mantle, High Pressure Hydrous Phases
10. Convection in the Mantle a. Role of Mantle Plumes b.Interaction with Plate Tectonics
11. Mantle Rheology a. Post-glacial uplift (mantle viscosity; McConnell) b. Post-seismic creep c. Creep Mechanisms (diffusion creep, dislocation glide, Nabarro-Herring creep)
12. Electrical conductivity in the Crust and Mantle (variation of conductivity with temperature, pressure, defects)
13. Magnetic field of the Earth or other planetary bodies
14. Gravitational Field of the Earth a. using surface gravity measurements b. using satellite measurements
15. Variations in the Rotation of the Earth (Chandler wobble, length-of-day change, Earth Tides, Paleo-poles)
16. Nucleosynthesis in Stars
Or any other topic of interest to you.

Grading

3 Credit Hours

Midterm Exam	20%
Final Exam	20%
Term Paper and Presentation	30%
High Pressure Experiment	30%