For additional information send E-MAIL to: mccafr@rpi.edu

Instructor: R. McCaffrey, West Hall Room 200, extension 8521

Class Time and Place: Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 - 11:50, West Hall Room 112

Office hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 12:00 - 2:00

Objectives: This course will introduce students to the basic theories of geophysics and examine what geophysical methods have taught us about the Earth. The level will be higher than that of Introduction to Geophysics. The focus will be on a global scale and on what we call 'solid-earth' geophysics. Hence we will not discuss the ocean and atmosphere, although studies of these are also important branches of geophysics. We will discuss seismology and plate tectonics only insofar as they relate to the interior of the Earth. We have separate classes on these topics. We will do problem sets that combine observations with derivations. A working knowledge of basic physics and familiarity with differential equations is necessary.

Main text:   Fundamentals of Geophysics by William Lowrie.

Supplemental texts:   The Solid Earth by C.M.R. Fowler
                                Physics of the Earth by Frank D. Stacey

Other reading: Articles will be on reserve in the Geology Library. You may want to photocopy them or read them in the Geology library but they are not to be removed from the library. These articles are also available in the main library.

Grade determination:
    Midterm and final exams: 2 x 15% each
    Problem sets*: 60%
    Attitude and class participation: 10%

*We will have about 10 problem sets. Late problems sets will be penalized by subtracting 25% of the total value per class that it is late. A problem set not turned in will get no credit. Do the math, a missed problem set can lower your final grade by several percent!

Policy on Cheating: We are required to state the policy of this class regarding cheating. It is expected that each student do his or her own work on homework assignments and exams. I do encourage students to confer among themselves for the purpose of gaining increased understanding of concepts presented in the class. However, I expect that assignments will reflect the student's own thoughts and calculations; anything else will be considered cheating. If cheating is proven then the student will fail the class and the case will be turned over to the University for additional action. In short, my policy on cheating is: DON'T.

Topics to be covered:

Introduction to Geophysics

Review of basic physics and mathematics

The Solar System

Radioactivity and Dating

Earth rotation and gravity: Potential fields, Shape of the Earth and geoid anomalies, Isostasy, Rotation of the Earth, Earth-Moon
System, Tides

Seismology and Interior of the Earth: Seismic Waves, trave l-time curves, and instruments, Earth's interior, Exploration with seismic waves

Heat of the Earth: Earth's heat budget and evolution, Heating and cooling of lithosphere, Mantle convection

Magnetic field: Earth's internal and external fields, Paleomagnetism and field reversals, Core dynamics
 
URL: http://www.rpi.edu/~mcafr/seg.htm
Last update 1-12-98