Earth Sciences

AIMS

The course aims to provide an understanding of key topics in modern techniques to simulate the deep Earth, with particular emphasis to atomistic computer simulations. Specific examples from current research will be presented.

OUTCOMES

• an appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of modern deep Earth research techniques
• critical evaluation of current and competing theories for the dynamics of the solid-Earth
• appreciation for melting behaviour in the mantle as a trigger to volcanism over different time scales
• analysis and synthesis of separate lines of investigation from observational geophysics to laboratory experimentation and numerical modeling of deep-Earth properties
• synthesis of these lines of investigation into models of geodynamical process

Practical and Transferable Outcomes:

• critical evaluation of information, ideas and interpretations;
• use of the various information sources;
• effective communication of information in writing.

CONTENT

The course covers current understanding of dynamics and properties of the deep Earth using observational, laboratory and theoretical techniques, and includes:

• Current computer simulation methods used to study the properties of core and mantle materials.
• the temperature, light element content,  and physical properties of the core
• complexity at the core-mantle boundary
• deep mantle convection and geodynamics of plate subduction
• partial melting behaviour of the mantle and volcanic response
• the deep carbon cycle
• melting models for large scale meteorite impacts