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GG 404 FALL 2018 TR 1:30 to 4:20 pm, POST 544

Chemistry of Planetary Surfaces

A solar flare solar monitor (SAX) spectrum, corresponding Gas Proportional Counter (GPC) X-ray spectra of filtered and unfiltered detectors, and a final data product Mg/Si map of Mercury as obtained by MESSENGER are presented side by side. The two endpoint products, recorded spectra and global elemental abundance (elemental ratio) maps illuminate sophistication and success in elemental mapping with planetary X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.

Figure a) shows an example of an averaged solar monitor spectrum and corresponding XRS spectra obtained from a solar flare (26 October 2013, from 9:32 through 9:36 UTC) (MESSENGER X-Ray Spectrometer Calibrated Data Record archived at NASA’s Planetary Data System) with a flare temperature of 14.9 MK (Weider et al. 2015). X-ray spectra of each of the three GPCs are shown in black for the unfiltered, in red for the Mg-filtered, and in blue for the Al-filtered detector; backgrounds have not been subtracted. The solar monitor spectrum shows a drop off at energies less than 2 keV due to a decrease in efficiency caused by the detector’s Be-window. The SAX spectrometer resolution at the time of measurement was in the order of 635 eV at 6.49 keV (Starr et al. 2016). The response of the SAX Si-PIN detector shows the 6.4 keV Fe emission line from highly ionized Fe atoms in the solar corona. From this spectrum best-fit solar coronal emission can be calculated using CHIANTI5.2 (Landi et al. 2006). During flares, Mercury surface fluorescence from elements up to Fe is observed.

Figure b) presents a map of the Mg/Si elemental weight ratio derived from MESSENGER X-Ray spectrometer measurements (MESSENGER X-Ray Spectrometer Reduced Data Record archived at NASA’s Planetary Data System). Construction of the map is based on solar flare and quiet sun X-ray spectra. Course Description Essential techniques for remote compositional analysis of planets; understanding spectroscopy, mineralogy, and geochemistry of planetary surfaces. Comparative studies of fundamental planetary science phenomena. Planetary surface science discoveries. Sustainability of planetary environments. Contact information: Dr. Peter Englert: POST 508B, 808-384-3500, penglert@hawaii.edu Office Hour: T/R 11 am to noon, or by appointment

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Course materials At the beginning of the semester and at the start of each learning section, instructional materials will be posted on Laulima in the GG 404 resources folder. Prerequisites: GG101, or GG105, or GG107, or ASTR150, and CHEM161, MATH241, MATH242, PHYS 272, or consent. Class contact hours Tuesday/Thursday 1:30 to 4:20 pm, POST 544 Website Pre-class assignments and course material is posted on Laulima. Please check Laulima for pre-class assignments before each class period in the GG 404 resources folder! Learning Objectives/Course Objectives University-Level Learning Objectives The design and structure of the course delivers learning outcomes aligned with the University of Hawaii Institutional Learning Objectives for Undergraduate Students. The course:

• Gives in depth experience in the conduct of scientific inquiry and research. • Engages students in continuous practice with critical and creative thinking. • Is structured around procedures of conducting research in Earth and Planetary science. • Engages students through intensive interaction with instructors and peers by means of

classroom activities and projects. • Directly cultivates the habits of scholarly inquiry and intellectual curiosity, including

inquiry across disciplines. • Through examination of the environmental consequences of processes on other planetary

bodies, the course raises awareness of consequences to changes (natural and man-made) of the natural environment.

Department-Level Learning Objectives Department of Geology & Geophysics Bachelor Degree learning outcomes are also considered. Through completing the course:

• Studentscanexplaintherelevanceofgeologyandgeophysicstohumanneeds.• Studentscanapplytechnicalknowledgeofrelevantcomputerapplications,

laboratorymethods,fieldmethods,andthesupportingdisciplinestosolverealworldproblems.

• Studentsusethescientificmethodtodefine,criticallyanalyze,andsolveaprobleminearthscience.

• Studentscanreconstruct,clearlyandethically,geologicalknowledgeinbothoralpresentationsandwrittenreports.

• Studentscanevaluate,interpret,andsummarizethebasicprinciplesofgeologyandgeophysics,andtheircontextinrelationshiptoothercoresciences,toexplaincomplexphenomenaingeologyandgeophysics.

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Course-Level Student Learning Objectives These will be achieved through course activities aimed at:

• acquiring knowledge of the principles, instrumentation, and application of planetary remote sensing.

• developing an ability to make sound assessments of applications of measurement/experiment remote sensing research modalities past and present.

• learning how to address increasingly complex planetary sciences problems that can be addressed using geochemical remote sensing.

• improving critical reasoning skills and expanded ability to formulate scientific arguments in the area of geochemical remote sensing.

• improving research and writing skills. Course Content and topics Week 1: Setting the stage:

• History of human and robotic space exploration • Space exploration and sensor technology developments • Space Radiation: electromagnetic and particle radiation • Overview over geological exploration of planetary bodies (planets, moons)

General: In short lectures and student discussions information obtained in prerequisite courses and independent acquisition of knowledge is recalled. Laboratory: Laboratory activities include break out problem solving sessions accompanying lecture topics. Introduction in to database searches for images, movies, and animations on space exploration, space environment, and surface geology of planets and moons is a focused lab activity. Week 2: Terrestrial planets and moons

• Overview of terrestrial planets and moons o Photo-geological field observations and comparisons (morphology). o Atmospheres and their composition. o General physical surface and rock properties. o The search for water.

General: Short lectures and student discussions provide information on general principles of photo-geological exploration, planetary atmospheres, physical surface properties, and surface water. Laboratory: Group projects, using historical and current lunar and planetary surface photographs focus on qualitative comparisons of terrestrial planets and moons, their surface features, and surface properties. Weeks 3-5: Introduction to remote composition analysis tools

• Theory of remote compositional analysis techniques and laboratory measurements. o Theory and laboratory measurements on visible and near-infrared wavelengths. o Theory and laboratory measurements pertaining to Raman Spectroscopy. o Nuclear analytical remote sensing and laboratory techniques. o Radar remote sensing.

• Identification and assignment of semester-long individual research projects. Students will be assigned one individual project leading to a term paper to be submitted at the end of the semester for grading.

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• Identification and assignment of semester-long group research projects: Students will be assigned one group project per self-selected group, leading to a tangible product, a report, and an oral presentation at the end of the semester for grading.

General: Short lectures and student discussions will provide information on the principal experimental modalities of geochemical planetary remote sensing. Instrument design aspects under space environmental and space exploration conditions will be explored through group projects. Historical development of space probes for orbital and rover applications will be critically evaluated. Laboratory: Basic physics and laboratory aspects of tools and techniques for remote compositional analysis are demonstrated with laboratory instruments available for X-ray, gamma-ray, and infrared spectrometry. Weeks 6-7: Terrestrial field and airborne remote composition analysis tools

• Visible and near infrared • Thermal infrared • Raman Spectroscopy • Nuclear analytical

General: Short lectures and student discussions provide details on instruments for terrestrial geochemical remote sensing. Laboratory: Group projects explore historical and current designs of field instruments for geochemical remote sensing and the application of remote sensing tools in terrestrial environments. Experience with handheld infrared, XRF, and radiation detection instruments on campus complement the group projects. Weeks 8-9: Analysis methods for remote radiation and particle spectroscopy

• General methods of spectral analysis: Qualitative decoding of information • General methods of spectral analysis: Quantitative decoding of information • Geochemical interpretations of multiple remote data sets

General: A lecture will introduce a mathematical tool for spectral analysis in the visible, infrared, Raman, and nuclear domains. Laboratory: The analysis topic is heavily laboratory focused. Students learn to analyze spectra with a mathematical tool provide (or of their choice). Spectra are interpreted in qualitative and quantitative ways, using the tools provided in class. Analysis of ‘knowns’ and ‘unknowns’ will give students confidence in applying the tools provided or more specialized tools that are available for the measurement modalities. Weeks 10-11 Applications to planetary surfaces

• Selected topics: The Moon, • Selected topics: Mars, Mercury, asteroids • Selected topics: Other planetary bodies of interest (Ceres, Europa, Titan)

General: An overview lecture on comprehensive remote studies of planets and moons engages students in selecting objects for detailed investigation. In group and class discussions the exploration history of and current missions to the selected objects will be studied. Laboratory: In groups, each concentrating on a selected object, students will discover the systematic progress made in understanding solar system bodies through comprehensive remote geochemical analysis. Students will discover knowledge gaps waiting to be addressed in the future.

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Week 12-13 The big questions

• Water in the solar system • Life in the solar system

General: An overview lecture will summarize the strength of analytical evidence for water on moons and planets, the presence of liquid water on Earth and the relation to the formation of life. Laboratory: Using acquired knowledge on analytical tools, analytical methods, and on comprehensive research of planetary bodies (weeks 10-11), group discussions will uncover past, present, and potential future water resources on solar system bodies. The origin and distribution of water on solar system bodies will be explored. Theories of the formation of life as we know it and its possible development on solar system bodies will be discussed. Week 15: Reports on semester-long projects.

• Submission of individual research project reports • Submission of group project reports • Presentation of group project results.

Course delivery The main elements of course delivery are mini-lectures, guided group discussions, and project-based learning activities. A seminar style course expects an active role in the learning process from students and instructor alike, assisting each other through participation in in-class activities. Students are engaged in studying foundational publications in the field.

The laboratory component of the course is characterized by the integration of practice throughout the class meeting periods. In the initial weeks the laboratory component is comprised of break-out group work and practice on real problems underpinning lecture and group discussions. Later in the semester, break-out group work will increase in time to about half of the meeting period time (on a weekly basis). In addition to problem solving, there will be experimental demonstrations and laboratory experiments.

The majority of learning objectives is achieved through group-based problem solving in class. In parallel, one individual and one group research project is completed by each student. Laboratory time is research time for these projects. Students may have the opportunity to analyze data of the most recent Earth and Planetary science research as part of their in depth studies. Attendance Attendance in class is essential. There will be up to 10 quizzes throughout the semester at random at the beginning or end of class. Each missed quiz will lead to a 1% deduction from your grade point achievement. Evaluation A letter grade will be assigned on the basis of the following components: class participation (5%), selected project based learning activity outcomes (15%), an individual research project paper (40%), and a group research project, report and presentation (40%). Details of grading components will be discussed and finalized in the first class meeting. Participation 5% Learning activity outcomes 15% Individual research project paper 40% Group research project 40%

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Letter grade breakdown: A- = 90 – 92%, A = 93 – 96%, A+ = 97 – 100% B- = 80 – 82%, B = 83 – 86%, B+ = 87 – 89% C- = 70 – 72%, C = 73 – 76%, C+ = 77 – 79% D- = 60 – 62%, D = 63 – 66%, D+ = 67 – 69% F = < 60%

Textbook and publications The recommended course textbook is currently in its final stages of preparation. Remote Compositional Analysis: Techniques for Understanding Spectroscopy, Mineralogy, and Geochemistry of Planetary Surfaces, Editors: Janice L. Bishop, Jeffrey E. Moersh, and James F. Bell, III. Publisher: Cambridge University Press (in preparation). The textbook functions as a resource for class activities and research projects. Its anticipated role is that of a supplementary reference rather than a core resource of course topics. Relevant textbook chapters (preprints) will be made available in the GG 404 resources folder.

In addition, foundational publications in Earth and Planetary science will be made available to critically evaluate research design, data acquisition, and data analysis and research outcomes of current and past planetary exploration programs. Recommended additional reading Remote Sensing Tools for Exploration: Observing and Interpreting the Electromagnetic Spectrum, Pamela Elizabeth Clark and Michael Lee Rilee, Springer, 2010. A reference copy will be held at the UH library. Remote Geochemical Analysis: Elemental and Mineralogical Composition, Carle M. Pieters and Peter A.J. Englert, Cambridge University Press 1993. A PDF copy will be available in the course resources folder of Laulima. Hardcopies are available at the library in POST 544. Extra Credit Opportunities for extra credit will be announced during the semester. Other Resources Disability Access: The Geology and Geophysics Department will make every effort to assist those with disability and related access needs. For confidential services, please contact the Office for Students with Disabilities (known as “Kokua”) located in the Queen Lili'uokalani Center for Student Services (Room 013): 956-7511, kokua@hawaii.edu, www.hawaii.edu/kokua

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Learning Assistance Center (LAC) is here to help students: • Use appropriate study skills to achieve academic goals. • Learn how to adjust learning approaches to fit their individual learning needs. • Learn how to study effectively with others. • Use effective learning practices. • Use self-reliant learning behaviors. • Have a functional understanding of course content. www.manoa.hawaii.edu/learning

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