EARTH FORCES

Basic concepts regarding the forces that act upon the Earth, how geological materials react to these forces, and the time scale over which they respond. Emphasis on physical concepts needed to understand the geodynamical behavior of the Earth over a broad range of length and time scales. Application and interpretation of geophysical methods to probe the interior of the Earth.

EARTH HISTORY

Introduction to the concept of "deep time" and the parallel biological evolutionary and environmental changes that have occurred throughout Earth history. Topics include early evolution of life, rise of atmospheric oxygen, global glaciation, mass extinctions.