Teaching

Natural Disasters: Holywood vs. Reality (GSC 107): This is an introductory science course covering the geological causes and effects of natural hazards on Earth, and the responses of society to them. Lectures introduce the underlying science, and, in a term paper and class exercises, students use these scientific principles to assess disaster films and media articles for their scientific veracity. Here is an example syllabus. If you are an educator and would like to access the complete class materials, feel free to send me an email request.

Geodynamics (MGS 724): This is a graduate-level course covering the physical properties of the solid Earth and the dynamic processes that operate within it. The main topics covered are deformation and rheology (elasticity, plasticity, and viscous flow), heat and mass transport, and numerical methods (finite differences, finite elements). I have deposited the most recent version of the lecture notes and class exercises online. Feel free to use these as a study resource or as part of your own Geodynamics class.

Subduction Zone Geodynamics (MGS 710): This course is an overview of the dynamics of subduction zones based around the analysis of both classic and recent literature. A sampling of the topics we cover include slab deformation, mantle flow and rheology, and subduction induced topography. We mainly focus on subduction zone modeling but also pay attention to the observational constraints. The goals of the class are for students to develop a well-rounded and contemporary background on subduction zone geodynamics. An auxiliary goal is the identification of collaborative and/or individual future research avenues. Here is an example syllabus and an example schedule.