Unearthing Fermi’s Geophysics

Delve into an informal seminar exploring Enrico Fermi's forgotten geophysics course from 1941 at Columbia University. Discover how this renowned physicist, celebrated for his expertise in both theoretical and experimental physics, applied his clear teaching style to geophysics. Explore the Fermi Method, nuclear physics, and computational physics as they relate to geophysical concepts. Examine topics such as precession, torque, Carnot cycles, and hurricane cycles. Investigate primary and transverse waves, longitudinal waves, and the role of argon in radioactivity. Gain insights into Fermi's wide-ranging interests and the enduring relevance of his geophysical teachings to modern science.

Introduction
Enrico Fermi
The Fermi Method
Nuclear Physics
Computational Physics
What is geophysics
Introduction to the course
Fermis method
Precession
Torque
Carnot Cycles
Hurricane Cycles
Questions
Primary and transverse waves
Longitudinal waves
Argon
radioactivity
sources