https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/AM_1211The main aim of this course is to make students appreciate that heat and its transport provide a fundamental link between processes near the Earth’s surface (subduction, orogenesis, rifting, dynamic topography), and processes in the deeper parts of the Earth (including initial differentiation, convection and partial melting). An additional practical aim of this course is to start improving student communication and writing skills.In this course we will (1) Provide you with an overview of what seismology, petrology, and mineral physics tell us about the properties of and processes in the Earth’s interior; (2) Clarify the links between heat, pressure, mineral properties, density variations, and observations including the composition of the Earth’s core, seismic structure of the mantle, dynamic topography, and melt compositions; (3) Improve your presentation skills by having you prepare an oral presentation and (4) attend a dedicated feedback session.The course consists of eight half-day lectures that may include exercises, one separate exercise session, one seminar session, and one feedback sessionThe final mark you are given for this course consists of the following components: (1) Presentation (25%); 1-page abstract (15%); Assignments (30%); Written exam (30%)references that are required background reading will be provided on Canvas during the course.All Geology and Geochemistry specialization Year 1 studentsStudents should have a basic understanding of global geophysics, mineralogy and petrology.