Special Topics in Earth and Planetary Science (390-0-12)

Topic

Physics of Rock Deformation in Planetary Interiors

Instructors

Elvira Mulyukova

Meeting Info

Technological Institute F285: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

Rock deformation governs many geological processes that shape the history and the future of terrestrial planets, including mantle convection, plate tectonics, earthquake cycles, volcanism, etc. Physics of rock deformation involves generation and motion of crystalline defects in minerals, such as vacancies, dislocations, and grain boundaries. This course provides an interdisciplinary treatment of the science of deformation of solid Earth with an emphasis on the materials science (microscopic) approach. We cover mechanical behavior over various time-scales, including the elastic, anelastic (viscoelastic), and plastic response, in addition to the applications of these results to important geological and geophysical problems. Special attention is given to high-temperature creep of olivine, the main constituent of the lithosphere and upper mantle. No previous knowledge of geology/geophysics or of materials science is assumed. The basics of continuum mechanics and thermodynamics are presented as far as they are relevant to the main topics of the course.

Class Materials (Required)

Ranalli, G. (1995). Rheology of the Earth (2nd ed.). Chapman & Hall.
ISBN: 0412546701
Available $165 used, $220 new from the bookstore

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: One of MATH 220-2 or 218-3, and one of the following: MATH 224-0, 226-0, 228-1, 228-2, 230-0, 230-1, 230-2, 235-0, 240-0, 250-0, 281-1, 285-1, 290-1, 291-1, 300-0, GEN ENG 205-1, GEN ENG 205-4, GEN ENG 206-1, GEN ENG 206-4. OR graduate student status.