Planetary Dynamics and Evolution

Period: second semester

Course units: 

• Planetary chemical evolution (Core-Mantle differentiation, Mantle-Crust differentiation, Magma ocean, Volatiles deep cycle)
• Early Earth dynamics and the onset of plate tectonics
• Core, Mantle, Lithosphere dynamics
• Structures and dynamics of Earth-like planets (i.e., Moon, Mars and Venus)
• Material properties: visco-elasto-plastic rheology, thermo-chemical properties, mechanical anisotropy.
• Investigation tools: geological/geophysical observations, experimental mineralogy and petrology, geodynamic numerical modeling methods.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods: There are two types of learning activities and teaching methodologies:
1) Frontal lectures
2) Computer laboratory where the student practices to utilize numerical software to reproduce the dynamics and evolution of Earth-like planets.