OCEAN/ESS 545, Spring 2011 Oceanic Lithosphere
HOME Description & Learning Goals Grading Lectures Homeworks Reading Term Projects	Description Ocean basins cover nearly two-thirds of the Earth’s surface and they are a primary manifestation of plate tectonics.  This class will cover the basic physical principles and geophysical observational techniques used to understand the formation, evolution and destruction of the oceanic lithosphere.  Topics covered will include the mantle flow and melting patterns beneath oceanic spreading centers and subduction zones, the thermodynamics and basic chemistry of decompressional melting, the formation of the volcanic oceanic crust, conductive heat transport and the thickening of oceanic plates, faulting and plate flexure and the application of magnetic, gravity and seismic observations. Prerequisites. There are no formal requirements for this class but the material assumes familiarity with differential equations and preferably partial differential equations. Textbook.  The text book for the class is Geodynamics by D. L. Turcotte and G. Schubert, 2^nd Edition, Cambridge University Press, 2002 and includes about 75% of the material presented in class Audience This is a required class for ocean grads in the MG&G option.  It will satisfy the out-of-option requirements for other ocean grads and is a good choice for students seeking a more mathematical introduction to MG&G and/or an understanding of the use of partial differential equations to understand natural processes.  For grads in ESS, the mathematical level will be intermediate between ESS 502 and ESS 511-516.  The class might also be suitable for advanced undergrads who have taken one or more of ESS 411-416 or OCEAN/ESS 410 and the necessary math. Learning Objectives To understand some of the basic physical processes responsible for the formation, evolution and destruction of the oceanic lithosphere. To be able to physical laws in the form differential equations with appropriate boundary conditions to solve problems in earth science. To be able to evaluate the importance of various physical processes for particular problem.  Are ideas physically reasonable?  Can you test ideas with “back of the envelope calculations”? To be able to read and understand on your own any part of Turcotte and Schubert or an equivalent book To have a working knowledge of geophysical observation techniques used in the oceans. Format Instructor lectures Group problem solving on the board (one person writes but everyone contributes) Student projects – Study and present the basics of geophysical observation technique Background Reading Problem Sets Take home final Grades To be discussed in class but I am thinking that grades will be based equally on (1) the problem sets, (2) your project and class participation and (3) the take home final.
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