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ES 492 (H): Honors Seminar in the Earth Sciences: Planetary Geology (3 hours)
Spring 2011
Your Host: Doug Haywick
Objectives and Goals:
This course will examine present ideas about the geological composition of planetary bodies in
our solar systems. We will also consider geological processes operating on these objects and their geological history. It
is
NOT
a course that will dwell on science fiction. We will discuss the likelihood of life forms on some planets, but we
will not be discussing extraterrestrial intelligence or anything “SETI”-related. The goals for this class are as follows: (1)
to familiarize students with methods of planetary exploration, (2) to familiarize students with
extraterrestrial
processes
(mostly geological) operating in our solar system, and (3) to consider the composition/geological processes affecting
planets outside of our solar system. The course will involve significant amounts of reading (1 scientific publication per
week) and is especially designed for students in Honors Program (University or Departmental). However, other students
may be permitted to take the class with the permission of the Chair of Earth Sciences. ES 492 does not have any
prerequisites, however, GY 111 and GY 112 would help.
TENTATIVE LECTURE GAME PLAN
(subject to revision)
Week 1
THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Lecture – Introduction; origin of the Solar System and planetary remote sensing
Readings*:
1: Formation of the solar nebula/planets
Week 2
THE EARTH/MOON SYSTEM
Lecture - Origin of the Earth-Moon system
Discussion – Formation of solar systems
(Paper review 1 due)
Readings:
2: The Moon
Week 3
ASTEROIDS
Lecture – The composition of
asteroids
Discussion – The Moon (Paper review 2 due)
Readings:
3: Asteroids and comets
Week 4
ASTEROIDS AND COMETS
Lecture – Comets
Discussion – Asteroids (Paper review 3 due)
Readings:
4: Venus
Week 5
MERCURY
Lecture: Geological processes and geological history of Mercury
Discussion – Comets (Paper 4 due)
Readings:
5:
Mercury
Week 6
VENUS
Lecture – The confusing geology of Venus
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- Summer '11
- Staff
- Solar System, Planet, Dwarf planet, Doug Haywick
-
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