Early Evolution of the Solar System

Catalog description

The so-called NC-CC dichotomy describes the fundamental difference in the genetic make-up of inner (‘non-carbonaceous’) and outer (‘carbonaceous’) Solar System materials, and is one of the most influential discoveries in modern cosmochemistry. In this seminar, we will follow a series of scientific studies that ultimately led to its full recognition and use recent publications to discuss how it revolutionized our understanding of the early evolution of the Solar System. This includes diverse topics such as (i) the origin, processing, and transport of material in the protoplanetary disk, (ii) the timescales and processes of planetesimal/planet formation and migration, as well as (iii) the nature of Earth’s building blocks and origin of its habitability. No prior courses required; basic knowledge of cosmochemistry and isotope geochemistry is recommended. Intended for graduate students, but upper-level undergraduates may register with permission of the instructor.