Contact
Associate Professor, Faculty of Science - Physics
- mheimpel@ualberta.ca
- Phone
- (780) 492-3519
- Address
-
3-092 Centennial Ctr For Interdisciplinary SCS II
11335 Saskatchewan Drive NWEdmonton ABT6G 2H5
Overview
About
My main research interest is dynamics of planetary interiors. This involves theoretical and numerical modelling of fluid dynamics and magnetohydrodynamics applied to planetary atmospheres and interiors. Work on planetary dynamos have implications for the dynamical evolution of several of the solar system planets, particularly Mercury, Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, as well as exoplanets.
Courses
GEOPH 421 - Seismology and the Physical Structure of the Earth
Seismology; solutions to the elastic wave equation in layered media; three-component seismic field and ray theory: body and surface waves; normal modes and free oscillations; source mechanism; structure of the Earth; seismometers; inversion of seismic data. Pre or corequisite: Math 334. Prerequisites: PHYS 281.
GEOPH 440 - Global Geodynamics
Topics to be discussed include plate tectonics, continental breakup and assembly; faulting and earthquakes; mantle and lithosphere rheology; global gravity and Earth's rotation; heat transfer and convection in the Earth and planets; hotspots and mantle plumes, plate accretion and subduction; dynamics of the core, planetary magnetism and the geodynamo. Pre- or corequisite: MATH 337. Prerequisites: PHYS 281.
GEOPH 521 - Global Geodynamics
Topics to be discussed include plate tectonics, continental breakup and assembly; faulting and earthquakes; mantle and lithosphere rheology; global gravity and Earth's rotation; heat transfer and convection in the Earth and planets; hotspots and mantle plumes, plate accretion and subduction; dynamics of the core, planetary magnetism and the geodynamo. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.