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Course Criteria
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3.00 Credits
Examines the state of knowledge of planetary formation, beginning with planetary nebulas and continuing through accretion (from gas to planet). Studies the processes of planetary differentiation, crust formation, atmospheric degassing, and surface water condensation. Integrated discussion of compositional and physical processes based upon observations from our solar system and from exoplanets. Focuses on terrestrial (rocky and metallic) planets, as well as more volatile-rich bodies. Includes readings from literature, lectures, discussion, and problemsolving. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.
Prerequisite:
Prereq: Physics II (GIR), Calculus II (GIR); or permission of instructor
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4.00 Credits
Overview of basic topics in solid-earth geophysics, such as the Earth's rotation, gravity and magnetic field, seismology, and thermal structure. Formulation of physical principles presented in three one-hour lectures per week. Current applications discussed in an additional one-hour tutorial each week. Students taking graduate version complete different assignments.
Prerequisite:
Prereq: Physics II (GIR), 18.03
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3.00 Credits
General mathematical principles of continuum systems. (1) From microscopic to macroscopic. Examples range from random walkers, to Newtonian mechanics, to option pricing. (2) Singular Perturbations. Examples include boundary layer theory, snow flakes and geophysical flows. (3) Instability. Generalize ideas from 18.353 to continuum systems. Examples from fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, astrophysics and biology. (4) Pattern formation and turbulence.
Prerequisite:
Prereq: 18.353 or permission of instructor
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1.00 Credits
Explores a number of alternative energy sources such as geothermal energy (heat from the Earth's interior), wind, natural gas, and solar energy. Includes a field trip to visit sites where alternative energy is being harvested or generated. Content and focus of subject varies from year to year.
Prerequisite:
Prereq: None
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3.00 Credits
Introduction to basic geophysical methods that can be used for environmental site characterization and shallow geological investigations. Techniques include seismic, electrical, and electromagnetic sounding; ground-penetrating radar, magnetics, gravity, and borehole geophysics. Lectures emphasize basic principles and a physical understanding of the geophysical methods with environmental and engineering applications in mind. Some specific case histories are included. A few weekends of field measurements at representative local sites are included. Lab sessions cover modeling and interpretation of geophysical field data. Students taking the graduate version complete different assignments.
Prerequisite:
Prereq: 18.03
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1.00 Credits
Practical methods of modern geophysics including the Global Positioning System (GPS), gravity, and magnetics. Field work is conducted in western US and includes intensive 10-day field exercise. Focus is on measurement techniques and their interpretation. Introduction to the science of gravity, magnetics, and the GPS. Measure of crustal structure, fault motions, tectonic deformations, and the local gravity and magnetic fields. Students perform high-precision measurements and participate in data analysis. Emphasis on the principles of geophysical data collection and the relevance of these data for tectonic faulting, crustal structure, and the dynamics of the earthquake cycle.
Prerequisite:
Prereq: None
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2.00 Credits
Focuses on in-depth data analysis and the development of the skills needed to report results both in writing and orally. In weekly meetings, students use data collected in 12.221 to develop written and oral reports of the results. Each student focuses on a different area of the results. For example, students can develop the geophysical modeling of the results or synthesis of the results into other studies in the area. The final written and oral reports from the students are structured so that they can be combined into a comprehensive report of the field camp and its results. A final oral presentation of results is required during the final few weeks of the spring term.
Prerequisite:
Prereq: 12.221
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3.00 Credits
Introduces the basic relevant principles and concepts in atmospheric physics, climate dynamics, biogeochemistry, and water and energy balance at the land-atmosphere boundary, through an examination of two current problems in the global environment: carbon dioxide and global warming; and tropical deforestation and regional climate. An introduction to global environmental problems for students in basic sciences and engineering.
Prerequisite:
Prereq: 18.03; 5.60
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4.00 Credits
Introduction to climate studies, including beginnings of the solar system, time scales, and climate in human history; methods for detecting climate change, including proxies, ice cores, instrumental records, and time series analysis; physical and chemical processes in climate, including primordial atmosphere, ozone chemistry, carbon and oxygen cycles, and heat and water budgets; internal feedback mechanisms, including ice, aerosols, water vapor, clouds, and ocean circulation; climate forcing, including orbital variations, volcanism, plate tectonics, and solar variability; climate models and mechanisms of variability, including energy balance, coupled models, and global ocean and atmosphere models; and outstanding problems. Students taking the graduate version complete different assignments.
Prerequisite:
Prereq: Chemistry (GIR), 18.03, or permission of instructor
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3.00 Credits
Introduction to the physics and chemistry of the atmosphere including experience with computer codes. Aerosols and theories of their formation, evolution, and removal. Gas and aerosol transport from urban to continental scales. Coupled models of radiation, transport, and chemistry. Solution of inverse problems to deduce emissions and removal rates. Emissions control technology and costs. Applications to air pollution and climate. Students taking the graduate version complete different assignments.
Prerequisite:
Prereq: 5.61, 18.075, or permission of instructor
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