PLANETARY MUSINGS

Entries in "Geological Sciences"

Graduate Study in Earth and Planetary Science

The Department of Geological Sciences at Case Western Reserve University is currently accepting applications from students interested in pursuing graduate studies leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in the earth, environmental, and planetary sciences. The Department offers flexible, research-intensive programs for graduate students. Applications are accepted on a continuing basis, though students requesting financial support are strongly encouraged to apply by February 1, 2008. Online applications are available through the School of Graduate Studies.

There are several opportunities for students interested in pursuing research in planetary science, particularly in the areas of planetary geology and geophysics, high-pressure and temperature geochemistry, and meteorites working with a group of faculty that includes myself, Prof. Harvey, and Prof. Van Orman.

At present I am collaborating with students to (1) understand the nature of Mars' crust and lithosphere and tectonic activity and (2) the mechanisms responsible for driving Ganymede's magnetic field. (3) I am also looking for graduate students interested in working with me on analyzing data from the MESSENGER Mission to Mercury to understand both the internal and tectonic evolution of that planet Additional opportunities within these may be available depending upon interest. We are also in the process of focusing new study on large lunar impact basins.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss opportunities for graduate study in planetary science and/or geophysics with interested students (my contact info is available on my webpage).

Opportunities for Graduate Study in Planetary Geology and Geophysics

The Department of Geological Sciences at Case Western Reserve University is currently accepting applications from students interested in pursuing graduate studies leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in the earth, environmental, and planetary sciences. The Department offers flexible, research-intensive programs for graduate students. Applications are accepted on a continuing basis, though students requesting financial support are strongly encouraged to apply by February 1, 2007. Online applications are available through the School of Graduate Studies.

There are several opportunities for students interested in pursuing research in planetary science, particularly in the areas of planetary geology and geophysics, high-pressure and temperature geochemistry, and meteorites working with a group of faculty that includes myself, Prof. Harvey, and Prof. Van Orman.

At present I am collaborating with students to (1) understand the nature of Mars' crust and lithosphere and tectonic activity and (2) the mechanisms responsible for driving Ganymede's magnetic field. Additional opportunities within these may be available depending upon interest. We are also in the process of focusing new study on large lunar impact basins and the coupled internal and tectonic evolution of Mercury.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss opportunities for graduate study in planetary science and/or geophysics with interested students (my contact info is available on my webpage).

Case geology student wins Churchill Scholarship to study at Cambridge

Check out this story about Katherine Allen, a graduating senior in geology, who earned a Churchill Scholarship to attend Cambridge next year.

What makes the Earth (and other planets) go?

For the coming Fall 2006 semester I will be teaching GEOL 315/415 - Structural Geology and Geodynamics.  Simply stated, the focus of this course is how and why the ground beneath our feet moves.  Most of this motion is hundreds to thousands of miles below us, but there are incredible and important consequences at the surface like earthquakes and volcanic activity.  GEOL 315/415 is required for the geology major, but students interested in engineering, math, and science have enjoyed and found value in the course as a technical elective in the past because it meshes with and reinforces or introduces concepts that are commonly used in many disciplines, the difference being that they are applied to a whole planet.  We will look at the basic principles of bending, breaking, and flowing materials as well as the transfer of heat and how those principles can be used to interpret the behavior and history of the Earth and other solid planets.  In particular, we study what drives plate tectonics, what are the consequences of volcano building beyond lava and explosions, why are there earthquakes, and how we know that the mantle is convecting. 

Looking for Graduate Students

It is that time of the academic year again - I and the Department of Geological Sciences as a whole are seeking qualified students for our graduate program.

Current research strengths in the department include: surface processes, soil erosion, sediment transport, geologic sequestration of carbon, geochemistry, planetary materials, planetary geology and geophysics, and high-pressure mineral physics and chemistry. Financial assistance may be available for qualified applicants interested in pursuing M.S. or Ph.D. degrees. For more information, please see http://geology.case.edu.

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