Online Courses Handbook 2003

5215 (v.3) Planet Earth 101

Area:	Department of Applied Physics
Contact Hours:	3.0
Credits:	12.5
Lecture:	2 x 1 Hours Weekly
Laboratory:	1 x 1 Hours Weekly
The solar system, its structure and formation. Formation of the earth. Internal structure, chemical composition. Geomagnetic field, its source and character. Palaeomagnetism. Plate tectonics. Gravity and the shape of the earth. Seismology. The oceans, their origin and circulation. Formation of the atmosphere, energy balance and the anthropogenic effects. Ozone levels, atmospheric ionisation and effects on communication.