Introduction
The geophysics program at Harvard is concerned with the structure, dynamics and evolution of the Earth and planets. Research extends from global to regional scales, and from deep time problems to modern, active processes; these interests involve substantive connections to other groups in the department, notably in the areas of geochemistry, geology and climate history. Seismological research projects include mapping the interior of the earth, characterizing the seismic source and global seismicity.
The following list of courses is suggested for incoming students interested in geophysics and planetary physics, and a subset of these courses may also be useful for students in other groups who are interested in pursuing interdisciplinary connections. Students should consult an advising faculty member to develop a course plan that best suits their needs.
Proposed Curriculum
I. EPS 252 Global Geophysics: A Primer
II. At least three additional courses from the following suggestions, depending on research focus:
- EPS 202 Mechanics in Earth and Environmental Science
- EPS 203 Earthquakes and Faulting
- EPS 204 Earthquake Sources
- EPS 248 Topics in Mineral Physics and Chemistry
- EPS 262 Theoretical Seismology
- EPS 263 Reading in Global Seismology
- EPS 259 Dimensional Analysis and Scaling
- EPS 266 Computational Tools in Seismology
- EPS 268 Topics in Earthquake Seismology
- EPS 270 Advanced Structural Interpretation Methods
- EPS 272 Topics in Structural Geology
- EPS 274 Field Geology
- Eng Sci 220 Fluid Dynamics
- Eng Sci 240 Solid Mechanics
- APPHY 282 Solids: Structure and Defects
- APPHY 292 Kinetics of Condensed Phase Processes
III. Two mathematics courses based on EPS math requirements (see EPS Graduate Student Handbook)
IV. Two breadth courses outside of Geophysics. Examples:
- EPS 208 Physics of Climate
- EPS 240 Isotope and Trace Element Geochemistry and Geochronology
- EPS 241 Isotope Geochemistry and Processes of Planetary Evolution
- EPS 261 Sea Level Change
- EPS 281 Great Papers in Earth Sciences
Faculty
Typical undergraduate backgrounds for students are listed in parenthesis.
- Jeremy Bloxham: Planetary magnetic fields, dynamo theory, structure and dynamics of the earth's core and lower mantle, inverse theory, mathematical geophysics (applied math, solid Earth geophysics, physics)
- Marine Denolle: Earthquake seismology, ground motion prediction, wave propagation in shallow crust, observations of earthquake source processes, subduction zone hazards
- Rebecca Fischer: Accretion, core formation, and composition of the deep interiors of Earth and other terrestrial planets; high-pressure, high-temperature mineral physics experiments with planetary-scale modeling (solid earth geophysics and geochemistry, planetary science, physics, chemistry, computer science, applied math)
- Roger Fu: Formation and interior evolution of the Earth and other planetary bodies; paleomagnetism; geodynamical modeling (physics, geology, astronomy, applied math, lab electronics)
- Miaki Ishii: Recordings of seismic energy to image the internal structure of the Earth; properties of earthquakes (applied math, computer science, solid Earth geophysics, physics)
- Brendan Meade: Active tectonics, dynamics of fault systems and plate boundary zones, theoretical geomorphology (applied math, computer science, solid Earth geophysics, physics)
- Jerry Mitrovica: Ice age geodynamics, plate tectonics, mantle dynamics and structure, paleo- and modern climate, sea level change, planetary rotation, space geodesy (applied math, geology/Earth sciences, solid Earth geophysics, physics)
- James R. Rice: Theoretical mechanics in seismology, tectonophysics and surficial processes; physics of earthquakes, environmental geomechanics (applied math, computer science, geology/Earth sciences, solid Earth geophysics, physics)
- John Shaw: Structure of the earth's crust, active faulting and folding, earthquake hazards assessment; petroleum exploration methods; remote sensing (computer science, geology/Earth sciences)