The interior of the Earth, showing the radially layered structure of metallic core and rocky mantle and crust. (Image courtesy of DOE.)
Instructor(s)
Prof. Benjamin Weiss
Prof. Leigh Royden
MIT Course Number
12.002
As Taught In
Fall 2008
Level
Undergraduate
Translated Versions
Course Description
Course Features
Course Description
This course introduces the structure, composition, and physical processes governing the terrestrial planets, including their formation and basic orbital properties. Topics include plate tectonics, earthquakes, seismic waves, rheology, impact cratering, gravity and magnetic fields, heat flux, thermal structure, mantle convection, deep interiors, planetary magnetism, and core dynamics. Suitable for majors and non-majors seeking general background in geophysics and planetary structure.