1 - 10 of 117 results for: EARTHSYS

The evolution of Earth's systems from formation to the present. Couplings and relationships among biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Topics include the evolution of life, origin of the oceans, atmosphere and continents, and changes in climate. Modern climate change and anthropogenic effects.

Introduction to the basic tools and principles geologists and paleontologists use to reconstruct the history of the Earth. Principles of stratigraphy, correlation, the geological timescale, the history of biodiversity, and the interpretation of fossils. The use of data from sedimentary geology, geochemistry, and paleontology to test theories for critical events in Earth history such as mass extinctions. Two half-day field trips.

Basics of ecology, from gut bacteria to global climate change. We will link processes at several scales to connect individual behavior, population growth, species interactions and ecosystem function. Combining classroom and field experience, we will see how basic hypothesis testing provides a way to learn about the world by considering the ecology of familiar organisms such as ants, squirrels, trees and some kinds of food. No prerequisites except arithmetic; open to everyone, including but not only those who may be headed for more advanced courses in ecology and environmental science.

For non-majors and majors in earth science or environmental science. Students will learn about the major ocean ecosystems and how they function both naturally and under the influence of human activities. Emphasis will be placed on the dominant organisms of each ecosystem and how they interact with each other and their physical and chemical environment. The types of ecosystems discussed will include coral reefs, deep-sea hydrothermal vents, coastal upwelling systems, blue-water oceans, estuaries, near-shore dead zones, etc. The course will incorporate a mix of lectures, multi-media presentations, and group activities.

For non-majors and prospective Earth Systems majors. Multidisciplinary approach using the principles of geology, biology, engineering, and economics to describe how the Earth operates as an interconnected, integrated system. Goal is to understand global change on all time scales. Focus is on sciences, technological principles, and sociopolitical approaches applied to solid earth, oceans, water, energy, and food and population. Case studies: environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and resource sustainability.

The ecologically and geologically diverse Rocky Mountain area is being strongly impacted by changing land use patterns, global and regional environmental change, and societal demands for energy and natural resources. This field program emphasizes coupled environmental and geological problems in the Rocky Mountains, covering a broad range of topics including the geologic origin of the American West from three billion years ago to the present; paleoclimatology and the glacial history of this mountainous region; the long- and short-term carbon cycle and global climate change; and environmental issues in the American West related to changing land-use patterns and increased demand for its abundant natural resources. These broad topics are integrated into a coherent field-study as we examine earth/ environmental science-related questions in three different settings: 1) the three-billion-year-old rocks and the modern glaciers of the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming; 2) the sediments in the adjacent Wind River basin that host abundant gas and oil reserves and also contain the long-term climate history of this region; and 3) the volcanic center of Yellowstone National Park and the mountainous region of Teton National Park, and the economic and environmental problems associated with gold mining and extraction of oil and gas in areas adjoining these national parks. Students will complete six assignments based upon field exercises, working in small groups to analyze data and prepare reports and maps. Lectures will be held in the field prior to and after fieldwork. Note: This course involves one week of backpacking in the Wind Rivers and hiking while staying in cabins near Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Students must arrive in Salt Lake City on Monday, September 3. (Hotel lodging will be provided for the night of September 3, and thereafter students will travel as a Sophomore College group.) We will return to campus on Friday, September 21.

Expeditionary-style seminar spending 14 days rafting 225 miles through the Grand Canyon while studying the law, economics, politics, ecology, hydrology, history, literature, and art of the Colorado River. Students learn about the river through a variety of disciplines. Immersion in the grand subject of water in the West and sustainability, the focus of a major interdisciplinary research initiative of the Bill Lane Center for the American West and the Woods Institute for the Environment at Stanford.