PHY2609H: Planetary Physics

This course investigates the physical processes occurring in planets and moons. Topics to be covered include: the evolution of terrestrial objects (e.g., planets, moons); the equations for convection in an infinite Prandtl number fluid; planetary heat sources and thermal evolution (e.g., thermochemical convection and its surface manifestations); effects of high temperature and pressure in planetary interiors (e.g., phase changes, viscosity stratification); gravitational potential; planetary structure and global shape (e.g., gravity, rotation, composition); stress and strain in solids; regional effects on topography (e.g., lithospheric elasticity). Knowledge of vector calculus and PDEs is assumed. No previous knowledge of Earth or planetary science is required.

0.50
Scarborough
In Class