EAPS 107 Mathematical Modeling of Earth Processes

This course introduces you to the philosophy, uses, and techniques of mathematical modeling in Earth and planetary sciences. You will learn how to represent complex natural systems with mathematical and computational models based on first principles such as the conservation of mass, momentum, energy, and Newton’s law to translate into mathematical equations. We will use differential equations (box models and partial differential equations) to make inferences about the past, present, or future state of the Earth and planetary systems. The emphasis is on fundamental principles rather than recipes or software packages. This course includes a weekly lab section that covers exercises for practice with examples seen in class. Practical examples include Earthquake propagation, the stability of the thermohaline circulation, temperature profile in permafrost, tsunamis using Shallow Water equations, and thermal convection of the mantle.

Prerequisite

MATH 13 or equivalent or permission of the instructor.