ESCI 153 - The Fluid Earth: Oceans, Atmosphere, and the Climate System

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

(Same as GEOG 153) Earth’s oceans are critical for human societies: They absorb carbon dioxide emissions, provide food and natural resources, and their life generates half of the oxygen we breathe. The oceans’ counterpart, the atmosphere, is where weather systems develop and our planet’s temperature is determined. In this course, we examine the physical, chemical, and biological building blocks of the oceans and atmosphere and how they are changing as a result of human activities. We use observational data as our window into processes such as circulation, sea-level change, and ocean acidification. We also explore case studies of ocean management to determine what can be done to create just and equitable solutions for environmental change in the 21st century. This course is a complement to ESCI 151 - The Solid Earth: Physical Geology. Laura Haynes.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS