Cracking Up: Gaining New Insight into Mechanical Weathering Through the Lens of Fracture Mechanics

The mechanics and physical properties of rock in near-surface (~100 m) environments play a pivotal role in regulating surface processes (e.g. weathering and subsequent erosion). To date, however, the vast majority of studies directed toward assessing the role of rock mechanics in regulating surface processes have focused on external loading processes and/or critical material strength (i.e. compressive strength, tensile strength).

Imaging All the Sky All the Time in Search of Radio Exoplanets

All the magnetized planets in our solar system, including Earth, produce bright emission at low radio frequencies, predominantly originating in high magnetic latitudes and powered by magnetospheric currents.

Feedback and the Evolution of Galaxies and Black Holes

I will summarize our current understanding of the processes that govern the formation and co-evolution of galaxies and their supermassive black holes (SMBH). I will pose several of the most fundamental shortcomings of our current models and then examine how they may be addressed by the effects of the feedback provided by energy and momentum supplied by massive stars and actively growing SMBH.

Exploring the Boundaries of Art, Design, Aerospace Engineering & Popular Culture

Art and Illustration play an important role in the world of aerospace engineering design and development.  Envisioning what advanced air and spacecraft concepts might look like facilitates the systems engineering process. Visually communicating such ideas also enhances public awareness, understanding and engagement, and inspires future generations.

The Role of Multiphase Instabilities in Nature’s Extremes

How fast can ice sheets disintegrate? When do induced earthquakes pose unacceptable risk? Why do volcanoes erupt? And how can we limit the destructive reach of tsunamis? The common denominator of what at first glance might seem like disparate systems is multiphase flow. The dynamic interactions between multiple solid and fluid phases − such as ice and meltwater, rock and wastewater, magmatic mush and gas, sediment and water − give rise to drastic nonlinearities that govern abrupt change.

Finding Patterns in Planets: A Neural Network Approach to the Exoplanet Dataset

We now know of over 3,700 exoplanets; an explosion in growth since the 1990s that shows no sign of abating. 96% of these new worlds have been discovered by either the radial velocity technique (that measures the doppler wobble of the star as it orbits with the planet) or the transit technique (the dip in brightness as the exoplanet crosses the line-of-sight between the star and Earth).

Facilitating Oxidation of the Atmosphere Through Mantle Convection

Earth’s mantle connects the surface with the deep interior through convection, and the evolution of its redox state will affect the distribution of siderophile elements, recycling of refractory isotopes, and the oxidation state of the atmosphere through volcanic outgassing. While the rise of oxygen in the atmosphere, i.e., the Great Oxidation Event occurred ~2.4 billion years ago, multiple lines of evidence point to oxygen production in the atmosphere well before then.

Smith replies, part 1 (MP4)

Smith replies, part 2 (MP4)

The rock slabs on display in the lobby of Physical Sciences Building F-Wing on the Tempe campus are examples of the following rock types. They are shown here in the same east-to-west order as in the display.

To fulfill coursework requirements, students may choose any 500 level AST, GLG, or SES course or other topics with advisor approval. Students should work with their faculty advisor to select courses that are best for their program of study. Below are a list of special topic courses that have previously been offered. Course offerings vary by instructor and semester. Students should refer to the ASU class search for semester offerings.

AST special topics (591 or 598)

Exoplanets
Gravitational Wave Astronomy
The Distant Universe