ENST 153 - Fluid Earth: Oceans, Atmosphere, & the Climate System

Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)

(Same as ESCI 153 and 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 introductory course, we examine the physical, chemical, and biological building blocks of the ocean and atmosphere and how they are changing as a result of human activities. We explore climate phenomena such as planetary wind belts, extreme precipitation and El Niño events, and ocean acidification. Students explore the ways that climate science is conducted and communicated to the public, as well as what can be done to create just and equitable climate solutions. This course is a complement to ESCI 151/GEOG 151 The Solid Earth: Physical Geology. Laura Haynes.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS