3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

The course will provide an overview of the major types of oscillatory motions and waves observed in the interiors of stars and planets as well as in oceans on the Earth and planetary atmospheres. This will involve not just purely fluid mechanical waves but also waves caused due to magnetic fields and their interaction with conducting fluids in the interior of planets and stars. Examples are acoustic waves, Rossby waves, Alfven waves, Magneto-Coriolis waves etc. Though the course will provide a brief overview/recap of basic fluid mechanics concepts, it is not designed to be a substitute for a fundamental fluid mechanics course. Fundamentals of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) will be introduced. Recommended preparation includes knowledge of fundamentals of fluid mechanics (courses: AS.270.425. Earth and Planetary Fluids. or EN.530.327. Introduction to Fluid Mechanics or equivalent) and familiarity with basics of electromagnetism (at the level of AS.171.101. General Physics: Physical Science Major I). If unsure, contact the instructor.