We discuss the structure and dynamics of the Earth's interior based on a combination of limited observations and laboratory experiments. We also discuss the formation and evolution of our planet, with its connection to the origin and evolution of life. In addition, we have to consider planet formation processes in general, in order to explain the observations of our solar system and exosolar systems and understand the ubiquity and diversity of planetary systems. Planet formation is a multi-step process involving a variety of physical phenomena. It is important to understand 1) the initial conditions of planet formation such as the dynamical / thermal structure and viscous evolution of proto-planetary disks and 2) the basis for planetary growth such as orbital evolution and coalescence growth processes of small bodies.
About half of lectures are given by non-Japanese professors in English.
[Goals] Learning the basics of Earth's interior and planet formation, and understanding the outlines of cutting edge science on related topics.
[Topics] We discuss the formation and evolution of Earth based on an understanding of present-day structures and dynamics in the interior of our planet. In addition, we learn the dynamical / thermal structure and viscous evolution of proto-planetary disks and the orbital evolution and planetary growth processes in order to understand our solar system and exosolar system.
Interior of the Earth, Formation and evolution of the Earth, Planet formation, Solar system, Exosolar system
✔ Specialist skills | Intercultural skills | Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Lectures and short exams
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Overview of Earth's interior | Crust, mantle, core |
Class 2 | Composition of Earth's interior | Compositions of the mantle and the core, Solar abundance of elements |
Class 3 | Pressure and temperature in Earth's interior | Melting temperatures of the mantle and the core |
Class 4 | Formation and evolution of the Earth | Magma ocean, core formation |
Class 5 | Water on the Earth | Water in mantle minerals, hydrogen in the core |
Class 6 | Structure and dynamics of Earth's interior | Phase transitions of major mantle minerals |
Class 7 | Interactions at the core-mantle boundary | Core-mantle boundary |
Class 8 | Dynamics and thermal evolution of the core | Heat flow across the core-mantle boundary |
Class 9 | Thermal structure of proto-planetary disks | Heat sources of the disks |
Class 10 | Dynamical structure of the disks | Dynamical equilibrium of the disks |
Class 11 | Disk accretion | Viscous diffusion of the disks |
Class 12 | Orbital evolution of dust grains | Gas drag for the dust |
Class 13 | Growth of dust and formation of planetesimals | Collision probability of dust |
Class 14 | Collisional growth of planetesimals | Collisional cross section of planetesimals |
Class 15 | Formation of gas giant planets | Structure of gas giant planets |
None
None in English
Evaluation based on attendance and short exams
already learned basic physics, introductory Earth & planetary sciences, and introduction astronomy.