OSAKA UNIVERSITY SHORT-TERM STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM _

04f-07
CURRENT TOPICS OF EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCES

Takamitsu YAMANAKA, et al. (School of Science)

Objective
  New concepts concerning the origin and structure of Space, Galaxies, Planet and Earth will be introduced in this course. They have been disclosed by theoretical and various experimental approaches from the viewpoints of astronomy, planetary science, geophysics and material sciences through cosmic observation and analyses of extra terrestrial materials and deep earth interior. The following subject is also presented in the lecture: Cosmic and tectonic progress and dynamic changes of Earth and Space give enormous effects to human life.

Course Schedule
1. Introduction of "current topics of Earth and Space Science". Geophysical phenomena around Japan Island originated from the continental drift theory. Explanation of the mantle dynamics from the viewpoint of material science.
2. After introducing the hierarchical structure of the Universe starting from planets, stars to superclusters of galaxies, I present the modern view of cosmology which explains how these structures have emerged out of the chaotic initial state of the spacetime with some historic remarks.
3. Dating techniques used in earth science and an application of ESR dating to anthropology that proved coexistence of Neanderthals and modern human will be talked. Nobody knows why Neanderthals annihilated, but certain environmental limits should be the reasons. Later, we would like to discuss on modern environmental issues and ethics for future world.
4. This lecture is a serious attempt to apply physics to ancient accounts of earthquake precursor phenomena such as unusual animal (catfish) behavior, light, fogs and clouds. It suggests a new field - electromagnetic seismology and possible forecast earthquakes to reduce casualties.
5. The Earth's deep interior is a huge pressure vessel. The Earth's materials show sequential phase transitions with pressure and temperature is increased. Two lectures will be given. First, using an experimental teaching video, several pressure-induced phase transitions (ex. hot ice and diamond) are presented in order to show what happens under extreme pressure.
6. Taking sandy beaches as an example, the lecture will explain a coastal morphological system. Use of many illustrations will facilitate an understanding how dynamically the beaches change in response to the action of incoming waves.
7. Extraterrestrial materials will be outlined. Recent sample return missions by space crafts and their significance for the planetary science will be also considered.
8. The microscopic nature of material is controlled by quantum mechanics. An elementary introduction to the principle of quantum mechanics will be given. Then the methods to observe quantum phenomena, microscopic structure of material and, as an example of medical application, the principle of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are interpreted together with an easy experimental demonstration.
9. Discussion of this course work and the reason why natural science is important for the future human life.

Grading
Evaluation will be based on attendance in class and weekly reports.