Chapter 3: Formation of the universe and the Solar System and their constituting materials
(4 hours)
Origin of the universe and synthesis of elements; formation of the Solar System; elements,
minerals, and rocks as constituting materials of planets
Chapter 4:Earthquakes, seismology, and the internal structure of Earth (6 hours)
Earthquakes and faults; propagation of seismic waves; the internal structure of Earth; the
chemical composition and mineralogy of the internal layers of Earth
Chapter 5: Earth's gravity and geodesy (4 hours)
Earth’s gravity field; shape of Earth; observation of the gravity field and geodesy;
isostacy and gravity anomalies
Chapter 6: Chemical differentiation and evolution of Earth (4 hours)
The chemical differentiation of Earth; melting of mantle; crust and core formation
Mid-term exam (2 hours)
Chapter 7: The internal dynamics of Earth (6 hours)
Internal hear production of Earth; heat transfer and mantle convection, plate tectonics
Chapter 8: The atmosphere and magnetic field of Earth and planets (6 hours)
The Earth’s magnetic field; the origin and variation of the geomagnetic field; the
atmosphere and magnetosphere of Earth and planets; solar wind and aurora
Chapter 9: Natural hazards (2 hours)
Natural hazards due to earthquakes, landslide, and volcanoes
Chapter 10: Geophysical exploration (4 hours)
Seismic exploration; electrical prospecting, magnetic prospecting, and gravity exploration
Chapter 11: Extra-solar planets and habitable planets (2 hours)
Basic techniques and current progresses for extra-solar planets detection;conditions for a
planet to be habitable
Oral presentations for the term paper (2 hours)
1. An Introduction to the Solar System, revised edition, Rothery et al., Cambridge
University Press, 2011.
2. Fundamentals of Geophysics, 2nd edition, W. Lowrie, Cambridge University Press, 2007.
3. Fundamental Planetary Sciences: Physics, Chemistry and Habitability, I. de Pater and
J.J. Lissauer, Cambridge University Press, 2013