How to Build and Maintain a Habitable Planet

Introduction to the origin and evolution of Planet Earth, creation of the universe and the elements, early history of Earth, radioisotope geochemistry and the timing of events in the universe, the galaxy, and on Earth. Formation of the atmosphere and oceans, and the evolution of climate and life.

Check out a recent article that was published in the Georgia Tech Alumni Magazine.

Instructor:

Professor Philip Froelich,
Department of Oceanography
Tel: (850) 644-4331
froelich@ocean.fsu.edu

Text:

How to Build a Habitable Planet (W. S. Broecker).

Time and Place:

To be announced.

Pre-requisites:

A little chemistry, physics, and math.

Lectures:

Week 1     Cosmogenesis - the Big Bang, Creation of the Universe
Week 2     Nucleosynthesis in Stars, Creation of the Elements
Week 3     Condensation - Creation of Solar System - Meteorite Clues
Week 4     Radioisotope Clocks - Ages of Events in our Galaxy
Week 5     Radioisotope Clocks - Ages of Events on Earth
Week 6     Planetary Systems (Other Solar Systems)
Week 7     Segregation of Earth's Shells, Tectonics
Week 8     Satellite, Moons, Asteroids, Comets, Impact Craters & Rings
Week 9     Origin of Atmospheric Gases and Oceanic Water
Week 10     Ocean and Atmosphere Maintenance
Week 11     Geological Treasure Troves, Storing up Fossil Fuels & Fertilizers,
Week 12     Evolution of Life
Week 13     Evolution of Climate
Week 14     Maintenance of Life on Planet Earth
Week 15     Man's Impact
Week 16     Review & Final Exam

Field Trip:

Stars and Telescopes: An optional outing to a dark hilltop on some clear night to view Mars, Saturn's rings, Jupiter's moons, our Moon's craters, the Andromeda Galaxy, a comet, and if we're lucky, a meteor shower. Date and time to be announced in class (1 day warning!).

Problem Sets:

Handed out every few weeks, each will be due about two weeks later. Each will be based on lectures and readings. You are expected to work independently on each problem set.

Exams:

The mid-term exam will cover the first half of the course. The final exam will cover the last half of the course.

Mid-Term Exam: ---------------
Final Exam: as scheduled:

Grades:

15% Problem Sets and Pop Quizzes
25% Mid-Term Exam
25% Final Exam
10% Class Participation and Chapter Summaries
25% Laboratory

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