Earth and Planetary Sciences

Kline Geology Laboratory, 203.432.3124
http://earth.yale.edu
M.S., M.Phil., Ph.D.

Chair
Maureen Long

Director of Graduate Studies
Mary-Louise Timmermans

Professors Jay Ague, David Bercovici, Ruth Blake, Mark Brandon, Derek Briggs, David Evans, Alexey Fedorov, Jacques Gauthier, Shun-ichiro Karato, Jun Korenaga, Maureen Long, Jeffrey Park, Noah Planavsky, Peter Raymond, James Saiers, Mary-Louise Timmermans, John Wettlaufer

Associate Professors Bhart-Anjan Bhullar, Matthew Eisaman, Pincelli Hull, Alan Rooney

Assistant Professors Damanveer Grewal, Juan Lora, Lidya Tarhan, Jordan Wostbrock, Elizabeth Yankovsky

Fields of Study

Fields include geochemistry and petrology, geophysics, ice physics, mineral physics, seismology and geodynamics, structural geology and tectonics, paleontology and paleoecology, oceanography, meteorology, cryospheric dynamics, and climatology.

Students admitted in 2020 or earlier have the option of receiving a degree in either geology and geophysics or Earth and planetary sciences. Students admitted in 2021 and subsequent years will receive a degree in Earth and planetary sciences.

Special Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree

There is no formal language requirement and no required curriculum. Students plan their course of study in consultation with their adviser to meet individual interests and needs and to lay the foundations for dissertation research. At the end of the first year the faculty reviews the standing of each student. A student recommended for continuation in the Ph.D. program will be so notified. Some students may be encouraged at that time to pursue only the M.S. degree. At the end of the second year the faculty reviews each student’s overall performance to determine whether the student is qualified to continue for the Ph.D. degree. In order to qualify, a student must have met the graduate school Honors requirement and maintained a better than passing record in the areas of concentration. Also, a student must have satisfied the requirements of the Qualifying Exam by having completed two Research Discourses termed (according to their degree of development) the Minor and the Major Discourses. The Major Discourse will be presented at the Qualifying Presentation, followed by an extended question period wherein the student must successfully defend both Discourses. Remaining degree requirements include a dissertation review in the third year; the preparation and defense of the dissertation; and the submission of the dissertation to the graduate school.

Teaching experience is regarded as an integral part of the graduate training program in Earth and Planetary Sciences. For this reason, all students are required to serve as teaching fellows for two terms during the course of their predoctoral training. Students who require additional support from the graduate school must teach additional terms, if needed, after they have fulfilled the academic teaching requirement.

In addition to all other requirements, students must successfully complete EPS 7100, Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research, prior to the end of their first year of study.

Master’s Degrees

M.Phil. See Degree Requirements under Policies and Regulations.

M.S. Awarded only to students who are not continuing for the Ph.D. Students are not admitted for this degree. See Degree Requirements under Policies and Regulations. Additional requirements include a research essay or thesis and M.S. defense with the approval of the DGS and the student’s thesis committee.

Program materials are available at http://earth.yale.edu or upon request to the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Yale University, PO Box 208109, New Haven CT 06520-8109; email, dgs@eps.yale.edu.

Courses

EPS 5190a, Introduction to the Physics and Chemistry of Earth MaterialsShun-ichiro Karato

Basic principles that control the physical and chemical properties of Earth materials. Equation of state, phase transformations, chemical reactions, elastic properties, diffusion, kinetics of reaction, and mass/energy transport.
TTh 1:05pm-2:20pm

EPS 5210b, Geophysical Fluid DynamicsMary-Louise Timmermans

An examination of the equations governing rotating stratified flows with application to atmospheres and oceans. Mathematical models are used to illustrate the dynamical principles of geophysical fluid phenomena such as waves, boundary layers, flow stability, and large-scale circulations. Concepts are investigated through laboratory experiments in a rotating water tank. Prerequisites: Students should have had a course in fluid mechanics (MENG 361 or equivalent), or contact the instructor.
MW 11:35am-12:50pm

EPS 5230b, Climate DynamicsAlexey Fedorov

A survey of fluid dynamics with application to circulation in the ocean and atmosphere, as well as mantle and core. Mathematical models are used to illustrate the fundamental dynamical principles of geophysical fluid phenomena such as convection, waves, boundary layers, flow stability, turbulence, and large-scale flows. The course aims to provide a general theoretical framework for understanding the structure and circulation of the ocean, atmosphere, and Earth's interior.
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm

EPS 5290a, Introduction to GeodynamicsJun Korenaga

This introductory course starts with the basics of continuum mechanics and covers a range of topics in geodynamics and relevant fields including the structure and dynamics of lithosphere, thermal convection and magmatism, Rayleigh-Taylor instability and plume dynamics, geoid and dynamic topography, and the thermal history of the core and geodynamo.
HTBA

EPS 5320b, CosmochemistryDamanveer Grewal

This course explores the chemical and isotopic composition of planetary materials to understand the formation and evolution of the solar system. This course covers the condensation of solids from the solar nebula, meteorites, planetary differentiation, and the geochemical processes that shaped asteroids, planets, and moons. Prerequisite: introductory chemistry, geology, or planetary science recommended.
HTBA

EPS 5350a, Physical OceanographyAlexey Fedorov

An introduction to ocean dynamics and physical processes controlling the large-scale ocean circulation, ocean stratification, the Gulf Stream, wind-driven waves, tides, tsunamis, coastal upwelling, and other oceanic phenomena. Equations of motion. Modern observational, theoretical, and numerous other techniques used to study the ocean. The ocean role in climate and global climate change.
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm

EPS 5380a / ASTR 5200a, Computational Methods in Astrophysics and GeophysicsPaolo Coppi

The analytic and numerical/computational tools necessary for effective research in astronomy, geophysics, and related disciplines. Topics include numerical solutions to differential equations, spectral methods, and Monte Carlo simulations. Applications are made to common astrophysical and geophysical problems including fluids and N-body simulations.
MW 4pm-5:15pm

EPS 5550a, Rock Formation in Mountain BeltsJay Ague

The fundamental principles governing the formation of metamorphic and igneous rocks during mountain building. Topics include processes of heat and mass transfer in orogenic belts, generation of igneous rocks in continental and subduction settings, ultrahigh pressure and ultrahigh temperature metamorphism, spatial and temporal patterns of petrologic processes throughout geologic time, and pressure-temperature-time paths of metamorphic and igneous rocks.
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm

EPS 5560b, Introduction to SeismologyJeffrey Park

Earthquakes and seismic waves, P and S waves, surface waves and free oscillations. Remote sensing of Earth’s deep interior and faulting mechanisms. Prerequisites: MATH 120, 222, and PHYS 181, or equivalents.
HTBA

EPS 6200a, Essentials of Earth and Planetary SciencesJun Korenaga

EPS faculty take turns to teach what they think everyone in the EPS department should know about their own field (geophysics, geology, geochemistry, atmospheric, ocean, climate dynamics, and paleontology). 
HTBA

EPS 6450a, PaleoecologyPincelli Hull

This course in paleoecology reviews basic ecological concepts in the context of classic and recent papers.
MW 2:35pm-3:50pm

EPS 6660a / AMTH 666 / ASTR 6660a / MATH 6660a, Classical Statistical ThermodynamicsJohn Wettlaufer

Classical thermodynamics is derived from statistical thermodynamics. Using the multi-particle nature of physical systems, we derive ergodicity, the central limit theorem, and the elemental description of the second law of thermodynamics. We then develop kinetics, the origin of diffusion, transport theory, and reciprocity from the linear thermodynamics of irreversible processes. Topics of focus include Onsager reciprocal relations, the Fokker-Planck and Cahn-Hilliard equations, stability in the sense of Lyapunov, time invariance symmetry and maximum principles. We explore phenomena cross a range of problems in science and engineering. Prerequisites for Yale College students: PHYS 301, PHYS 410, MATH 246 or similar and/or permission of instructor.
MW 11:35am-12:50pm

EPS 6900a, Directed Research in Earth and Planetary SciencesStaff

By arrangement with faculty.
HTBA

EPS 6910a, Independent ResearchStaff

Faculty-supervised individual graduate student research. Prerequisite: approval of DGS and adviser.
HTBA

EPS 7100a, Ethical Conduct and Scientific ResearchStaff

This seminar is required of all graduate students and must be completed within the first year. Postdoctoral associates supported by NSF funding are also required to take this course. Topics include: how to do science; how to treat data correctly (data management); mistakes and negligence; research misconduct; responding to suspected violation of standards; sharing of research results; the peer-review process; collaboration; authorship and the allocation of credit; conflict of interest; cultivating a respectful, inclusive, harassment-free scientific workplace; and science and society. This course is in addition to the online ethics module, The Yale Guide to Professional Ethics, that must be completed by all GSAS students within the first term of study, regardless of source of financial support.  0 Course cr
HTBA

EPS 7120a or b, Human AnatomyWilliam Stewart

A series of courses designed to develop an understanding of normal clinical anatomy. The focus is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the anatomical structures and functional relationships within the entire body.
HTBA

EPS 7890a, Current Topics in Metamorphic ProcessesJay Ague

This seminar is based mostly on readings from the literature and focuses on emerging issues in metamorphic petrology, including deep element cycling, non-lithostatic pressure, and ultrahigh-temperature and ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism.
HTBA

EPS 7900a, Colloquium in Earth and Planetary SciencesStaff

This course focuses on discussion of emerging research across the Earth and planetary sciences.  ½ Course cr
HTBA