Physics of Rock Deformation in Planetary Interiors (354-0-01)
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.
Registration Requirements
Students must have background in linear algebra and multivariable calculus.
Class Materials (Required)
1. Rheology of the Earth by Giorgio Ranalli ed. 2, illustrated ISBN: 0412546701, 9780412546709
Class Notes
Students must have background in linear algebra and multivariable calculus.