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GEOL 0050 Mars, Moon, and the Earth
Instructor: J. W. Head
Space exploration has revealed an astonishing array of surface features on the planets and their satellites. Why are atmospheres on the planets different from Earth's atmosphere? Do other planets represent our past or future environment? Is there life on other planets? The planets and their histories are compared to gain insight and a new perspective on planet Earth.
GEOL 0160 Chicken Little or Armageddon? Past and Future Cosmic Threats
Instructor: P. H. Schultz
Explore the probability of the next impact on the Earth and assess the possible consequences through historic times (incidents), folklore/legends, examples in recent geological time (last 10 million years), and the catastrophic consequences 65 million years ago. Strategies for searching and possible mitigation of the next "big one" will be considered. This seminar will explore the realities of various predictions, consider public policy, investigate strategies for prevention, and assess the role of the press in shaping perceptions. Freshmen Seminar.
GEOL 0160 Exploration of Mars
Instructor: J. W. Head
Learn the history of the exploration of Mars, from Lowell's canals and civilizations to Brown's leading role in spacecraft exploration. The NASA rovers will bring fresh excitement every day. We will explore the surface of Mars in the CAVE, talk to Apollo astronauts about their visits to the Moon, and teleconference with Brown grads as we plan future Mars exploration. Freshmen Seminar.
GEOL 0160 Mysteries of the Earth and Planets: Fact, Fiction, or Undetermined
Instructor: C. M. Pieters
The class focuses on debate and discussion about a major scientific issue that either is or has been an important question in Earthand planetary science. A series of topics might include: continental drift, volcanic vs. impact origin of craters, cause of dinosaur extinction, origin of the Moon, the 'face' on Mars, the dark side' of the Moon, life on Mars, debris in the solar system, origin of asteroids, and whether Pluto is a planet. Freshmen Seminar.
GEOL 0810 Planetary Geology
Instructor: P. H. Schultz
Geology of solid planets. Focuses on a mission to Mars through an understanding of processes that shape planetary surfaces. Terrestrial analogs, conceptual models, and laboratory simulations are used as reality checks. Integration of these processes through time reveals the geologic evolution of the planets. Three lectures and one discussion session per week. Prerequisite: GEOL 0010 or 0050 or 0220 or written permission.
GEOL 1330 Global Environmental Remote Sensing
Instructor: J. F. Mustard
Introduction to physical principles of remote sensing across electromagnetic spectrum and application to the study of Earth's systems (oceans, atmosphere, and land). Topics: interaction of light with materials, imaging principles and interpretation, methods of data analysis. Laboratory work in digital image analysis, classification, and multi-temporal studies. One field trip to Block Island. Prerequisites: MATH 0090, 0100; PHYS 0060; background courses in natural sciences; or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 1710 Remote Sensing of Earth and Planetary Surfaces
Instructor: C. M. Pieters
Geologic applications of remotely sensed information derived from interaction of electromagnetic radiation (X-ray, gamma-ray, visible, near-IR, mid-IR, radar) with geologic materials. Applications emphasize remote geochemical analyses for both terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments. Several spectroscopy and image processing labs. Prerequisites: GEOL 0230, PHYS 0060, or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 2330 Advanced Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems
Instructor: J. F. Mustard
Strategies and the physical principles behind the quantitative extraction of geophysical and biophysical measurements from remotely sensed data. Advanced methods of digital image processing and data integration. Introduction to Geographical Imaging Systems (GIS) and methods of integrating remotely sensed data into a GIS framework. Prerequisites: GEOL 1330 or 1710; MATH 0100; PHYS 0060, or instructor permission.
GEOL 2800 The Chemistry and Mineralogy of Mars
Instructor:
Examination of the chemical and mineralogical composition of Mars as revealed from meteorites and spacecraft missions. Example topics include: SNC meteorites, origin and evolution of the crust, alteration processes, remote near- and thermal-infrared observations, remote gamma-ray and neutron measurements, and petrology of surface materials. Recommended courses: GEOL 1410, 1420, 1710, or equivalent. No prerequisites.
GEOL 2810 Planetary Science Seminar
Instructor: C. M. Pieters
Focus on several areas of new research and current topics not necessarily covered in the core curriculum but of interest and importance to planetary scientists. Emphasis on critical evaluation of ideas, approach, results, and implications. Example topics include extra-solar-system planets, sample return issues, unanswered questions about Mercury, Pluto, etc.
GEOL 2810 Planetary Science Seminar
Instructor:
Focus on several areas of new research and current topics not necessarily covered in the core curriculum but of interest and importance to planetary scientists. Emphasis on critical evaluation of ideas, approach, results, and implications. Example topics include extra-solar-system planets, sample return issues, unanswered questions about Mercury, Pluto, etc.
GEOL 2840 Asteroids and Meteorites
Instructor: C. M. Pieters
Compositional and petrographic characteristics of meteorites are examined along with the physical and compositional diversity of asteroids and other small bodies of the solar system. Possible links between specific types of asteroids and meteorite groups will be evaluated in the context of early solar system evolution. Data from spacecraft encounters with asteroids will be critically reviewed.
GEOL 2850 Regolith Processes
Instructor: C. M. Pieters
Particulate material (regoliths) and soils develop on every planetary surface. Physical and chemical alteration of the uppermost surface results from interwoven active processes of specific environments. Understanding these processes and products is central to interpreting data returned from planetary surfaces. Regoliths reflect surface history over a variety of time scales. Several planetary environments are examined in detail. Prerequisites: GEOL 1410, 1710, 2880, or instructor permission.
GEOL 2860 Planetary Volcanology
Instructor: J. W. Head
An examination of volcanism using observations of features and deposits on planetary bodies, comparing them to predictions from the theory of magma ascent and emplacement. Attention to the influence of different variables (e.g. gravity, composition, temperature, pressure, and atmospheric effects). The history of planetary volcanism, its relation to thermal evolution, and comparative planetary volcanology are also addressed. Offered alternate years.
GEOL 2870 Planetary Evolution
Instructor: C. M. Pieters
Characteristics of one or more planetary bodies are examined to illustrate critical geological problems related to planetary formation and evolution. This year emphasis is on the Moon. The surface and interior will be examined, as well as global composition and spacecraft data. Recommended courses: GEOL 1420, 1450, and 1710.
GEOL2870-S01Titan and Enceladus
Instructor: A. C. Barr
Planetary Evolution in Spring 2012 is a seminar class focus on new discoveries about Saturn’s moons Titan and Enceladus. We will address four fundamental questions about the geological and geophysical evolution of these bodies using new results from instruments onboard the Cassini spacecraft. Is Titan geologically and geophysically alive or dead? How does the global volatile cycle sculpt its surface? Does Enceladus have an ocean today? What is the driving force for plume activity in the south polar terrain?
GEOL 2880 Planetary Cratering
Instructor: P. H. Schultz
Impact cratering affects nearly every solid-body object in the solar system. A major impact can produce relief comparable to the highest terrestrial mountains in just a few minutes. Course assesses the impact cratering process and record in different planetary environments, at different scales, and at different times. Offered alternate years. Written permission required.
GEOL 2910A Problems in Antarctic Dry Valley Geoscience
Instructor: J. W. Head
The Antarctic Dry Valleys represent an extreme hyperarid polar desert environment. Their geomorphology records the range of processes operating in these environments, preserving a record of climate change of millions of years. Major microenvironments are studied at the micro-, meso-, and macro-scale through literature review, field analyses, and research projects. Exobiological themes and climate change on Mars will be assessed.
GEOL 2920K The Hydrological Cycle on Mars
Instructor: J. W. Head with C. I. Fassett
Evidence for the changing hydrological cycle on Mars, ranging from
what appears to be an early warm and wet Mars, through history to the
present very cold polar desert Antarctic-like environment will be
examined. The aim of the course will be to understand the modern and
ancient water cycles on Mars with the particular focus on how liquid
water has shaped the surface we see on Mars. Individual topics that
will be discussed include observations of the Mars fluvial record,
erosion/sedimentation, weathering, sediment production, and sediment
transport. We will also discuss connections with the cratering record
and landform evolution. The ultimate goal is to tie these
observations of the hydrological cycle with models for how the climate
has changed over time.
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