Geomechanics is the application of continuum mechanics to investigations of the Earth. This course deals primarily with Earth-applications of two areas of continuum mechanics: The first part of the course will cover the theory of elasticity and its application to geologic problems, particularly problems involving the lithosphere. The second part of the course will cover the theory of heat conduction and its application to flow of heat through the lithosphere. If there is time, we will deal with fractals and their application to geoscience problems.

Grades will be based on homework problems, computer problems, and tests. The approximate weighting to be used will be:

Homework:	10 @ 1 point each	10
Computer Problems:	3 @ 5 points each	15
Midterm I		25
Midterm II		25
Midterm III		25
Total		100

Reading will be from Geodynamics, by Turcotte and Schubert, and from journal articles, to be assigned during the semester. Tentative reading schedule:

Week	Chapters, Sections from Turcotte & Schubert
1	Ch. 1, Sec. 2-1,2 -2, 2-3, 2-4, 2-5, 2-6
2	Sec. 2-7, 2-8
3,4	Sec. 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4, 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8, 4-21
5	Sec. 3-9, 3-10, 3-11, 3-12
6	Sec. 3-13, 3-14, 3-15, 3-16, 3-17, 3-18
7,8	Sec. 5-8, 5-9, 5-10, 5-11, 5-12, 5-13
9	Sec. 4-1, 4-2, 4-13
10	Sec. 4-3, 4-4, 4-5, 4-6, 4-7, 4-8, 4-9, 4-10, 4-11, 4-12, 4-14
11	Sec. 4-15, 4-16, 4-17, 4-18, 4-19, 4-20
12	Sec. 4-22, 4-23
13	Sec. 4-24
14	Sec. 4-26, 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, 8-4

Office Hours:
By appointment jahern@ou.edu
Office: Room 934, Energy Center Tower
Phone: 325-4480

Note: Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from fully demonstrating his or her abilities should contact me personally as soon as possible so we can discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate your educational opportunity.