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Physics of Planetary Interiors
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:45
Abstract
Planetary science encompasses the study of the physical and chemical nature of planetary bodies both in the Solar System and in extrasolar systems. The formation of planets, the forces that shaped their orbits and the processes that molded their interiors are part of planetary science. Understanding these complex phenomena requires knowledge from various geo- and astrophysically-related fields.
Objective
The goal of this course is to provide students with quantitative understanding of planetary science. The emphasis in this course will be on theoretical development of the fundamentals needed for understanding planetary materials, planetary formation and evolution, and planetary interiors.
Content
The course will loosely be divided into ~14 lectures on various topics to be held by the main lecturer. In addition to the lectures, the students will solve a number of 'take-home' problems and will hand in reports. Topics that will be covered in the course include: 1. Elasticity 2. Equations of state 3. Thermodynamics applied to mantle materials 4. Thermoelastic coupling 5. Crystal vibrations: harmonicity and anharmonicity 6. Tidal potential, gravity and figure of a planet 7. Planetary rotation, precession and nutation 8. Orbital evolution and tidal dissipation 9. Free oscillations of a planet
Resources
Lecture Notes
Material will be developed on the blackboard for the students to copy.
Literature
The course will cover topics from the following list of books: Theory of the Earth (D. L. Anderson) Planetary Sciences (I. de Pater & J. Lissauer) Physics of the Earth’s Interior (J. Poirier) Physics of the Earth (F. D. Stacey) Solar System Dynamics (C. D. Murray & S. F. Dermott) Introduction to Geophysics (G. D. Garland) Geophysical Geodesy (K. Lambeck)
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Physics of Planetary Interiors | No time listed | 3 h weekly |
Offered In
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Deep Track Courses (At least 20 credits must be completed within the deep track courses. Surplus credit points can be counted towards the electives.)
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Deep Track Planetary Science (These courses can be credited either as a specialization subject or as an elective subject.)
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