Structure and Dynamics of the CMB Region
The core-mantle boundary marks the deep Earth's most significant physical and chemical discontinuity, the line between the solid convecting lower mantle and the liquid outer core. This MIT graduate seminar examines that boundary through seismology, mineral physics, and geodynamics, covering CMB detection and topography, D'' anisotropy, seismic velocity anomalies including ultra-low velocity zones, temperature profiles, chemical reactions, phase relations, and mineral fabric formation at the boundary. Instructors introduce the methodologies researchers use to characterize this region and lead in-class discussion of relevant published papers, tying the results back to their role in driving both mantle convection and core dynamics. The course is delivered as a seminar with readings and discussion rather than lectures, drawing on MIT OpenCourseWare materials, and suits students who already have a background in geophysics and want to work through the current primary literature on Earth's deep interior.