PHYS-213 Introduction to Earth & Planetary Interiors
This course provides an overview of the chemical and physical properties of the material constituents of the Earth and other terrestrial planets, including minerals, rocks, lavas, and supercritical water. Topics include mineral structure and composition, bonding, optical properties, x-ray diffraction, phase transformations, and surface properties. The physics and chemistry of energy materials, synthetic nanomaterials will be included with emphasis/focus on energy resources, environmental impact, and geopolitical implications.