Fall Term Schedule
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Fall 2023
Number | Title | Instructor | Time |
---|
EESC 101-1
Julia Masny
MWF 9:00AM - 9:50AM
|
The Earth is a complex of interrelated systems, all of which fall under the umbrella of Earth Science. This course is an introduction to some of Earths systems: the Exosphere (the Universe and everything in it, including the Earth); the Geosphere (geology, the study of rocks and the history they record); Hydrosphere (liquid and frozen water moving on and under the surface of the Earth); the Atmosphere (the gas envelope blanketing the Earth); and the Biosphere (the relationships of living things on Earth). These systems interact, and a perturbation in one sphere may have lasting effects on others (for example, global climate change). This course includes a laboratory in which students gain hands-on experience with Earth materials.
|
EESC 101-2
Julia Masny
T 2:00PM - 4:40PM
|
The Earth is a complex of interrelated systems, all of which fall under the umbrella of Earth Science. This course is an introduction to some of Earths systems: the Exosphere (the Universe and everything in it, including the Earth); the Geosphere (geology, the study of rocks and the history they record); Hydrosphere (liquid and frozen water moving on and under the surface of the Earth); the Atmosphere (the gas envelope blanketing the Earth); and the Biosphere (the relationships of living things on Earth). These systems interact, and a perturbation in one sphere may have lasting effects on others (for example, global climate change). This course includes a laboratory in which students gain hands-on experience with Earth materials.
|
EESC 101-3
Julia Masny
M 2:00PM - 4:40PM
|
The Earth is a complex of interrelated systems, all of which fall under the umbrella of Earth Science. This course is an introduction to some of Earths systems: the Exosphere (the Universe and everything in it, including the Earth); the Geosphere (geology, the study of rocks and the history they record); Hydrosphere (liquid and frozen water moving on and under the surface of the Earth); the Atmosphere (the gas envelope blanketing the Earth); and the Biosphere (the relationships of living things on Earth). These systems interact, and a perturbation in one sphere may have lasting effects on others (for example, global climate change). This course includes a laboratory in which students gain hands-on experience with Earth materials.
|
EESC 101-5
Julia Masny
W 2:00PM - 4:40PM
|
The Earth is a complex of interrelated systems, all of which fall under the umbrella of Earth Science. This course is an introduction to some of Earths systems: the Exosphere (the Universe and everything in it, including the Earth); the Geosphere (geology, the study of rocks and the history they record); Hydrosphere (liquid and frozen water moving on and under the surface of the Earth); the Atmosphere (the gas envelope blanketing the Earth); and the Biosphere (the relationships of living things on Earth). These systems interact, and a perturbation in one sphere may have lasting effects on others (for example, global climate change). This course includes a laboratory in which students gain hands-on experience with Earth materials.
|
EESC 105-1
Erin Black
TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM
|
This course will explore the Earth's dynamic climate system through lectures, discussions and computer-based modeling of climate processes. We will work toward an understanding of several fundamental and important questions. What are the main factors that determine the Earth's climate? What forces can drive climate to change? What can we learn from climate change in the Earth's distant past, when our planet experienced periods of both extreme cold and warmth? How do we know that our climate is now changing? What can we expect from the Earth's climate in the near future and how would it affect us? While the course is designed to be accessible to all students, a working knowledge of high school level algebra is expected; it is also expected that you have taken high school level chemistry.
|
EESC 105-2
Erin Black
M 3:25PM - 6:05PM
|
This course will explore the Earth's dynamic climate system through lectures, discussions and computer-based modeling of climate processes. We will work toward an understanding of several fundamental and important questions. What are the main factors that determine the Earth's climate? What forces can drive climate to change? What can we learn from climate change in the Earth's distant past, when our planet experienced periods of both extreme cold and warmth? How do we know that our climate is now changing? What can we expect from the Earth's climate in the near future and how would it affect us? While the course is designed to be accessible to all students, a working knowledge of high school level algebra is expected; it is also expected that you have taken high school level chemistry.
|
EESC 105-3
Erin Black
R 3:25PM - 6:05PM
|
This course will explore the Earth's dynamic climate system through lectures, discussions and computer-based modeling of climate processes. We will work toward an understanding of several fundamental and important questions. What are the main factors that determine the Earth's climate? What forces can drive climate to change? What can we learn from climate change in the Earth's distant past, when our planet experienced periods of both extreme cold and warmth? How do we know that our climate is now changing? What can we expect from the Earth's climate in the near future and how would it affect us? While the course is designed to be accessible to all students, a working knowledge of high school level algebra is expected; it is also expected that you have taken high school level chemistry.
|
EESC 203-1
Julia Masny
TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM
|
Sediments and sedimentary rocks cover or underlie much of the Earth's surface. They record evidence of the processes responsible for shaping the planetary surface and the record of life. They also contain enormous volumes of water, solid and fluid hydrocarbons, and other natural resources. In this context, sediments and sedimentary rocks are very important to our way of life, but they also provide key pieces of information that enables us to understand how our planet has weathered and evolved. This course describes and classifies sedimentary rocks to understand the processes that shape them and the environments in which they form.
|
EESC 203-2
Julia Masny
R 11:05AM - 1:45PM
|
Sediments and sedimentary rocks cover or underlie much of the Earth's surface. They record evidence of the processes responsible for shaping the planetary surface and the record of life. They also contain enormous volumes of water, solid and fluid hydrocarbons, and other natural resources. In this context, sediments and sedimentary rocks are very important to our way of life, but they also provide key pieces of information that enables us to understand how our planet has weathered and evolved. This course describes and classifies sedimentary rocks to understand the processes that shape them and the environments in which they form.
|
EESC 203W-1
Julia Masny
TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM
|
Blank Description
|
EESC 203W-2
Julia Masny
R 11:05AM - 1:45PM
|
Blank Description
|
EESC 205-1
Rory Cottrell
MWF 11:50AM - 12:40PM
|
This course is intended for motivated students that are interested in an introduction to geophysics. Material covered will focus on deep Earth processes: an introduction to potential fields, gravity, heat flow, magnetic fields, propagation of seismic waves, and a bottom-up approach to core processes, mantle flow and plate tectonics.
|
EESC 209-1
Dustin Trail
MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM
|
Earth's chemical systems are interconnected. This course will explore the chemistry and chemical interactions between: (i) Earth’s volatile envelopes (atmosphere and oceans); (ii) the crust which we live on; and (iii) the deep interior or our planet (mantle and core). The goal is to develop an appreciation of the complexity, breadth, and scales of Earth-systems chemistry. Part of the course will be devoted to the study of elements and minerals critical to modern technologies (e.g. rare earth elements, lithium, etc). We will also cover basic principles of kinetic and equilibrium phenomena, radioactive dating, isotope chemistry, and “planetary chemistry.”
|
EESC 209W-1
Dustin Trail
MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM
|
Earth's chemical systems are interconnected. This course will explore the chemistry and chemical interactions between: (i) Earth’s volatile envelopes (atmosphere and oceans); (ii) the crust which we live on; and (iii) the deep interior or our planet (mantle and core). The goal is to develop an appreciation of the complexity, breadth, and scales of Earth-systems chemistry. Part of the course will be devoted to the study of elements and minerals critical to modern technologies (e.g. rare earth elements, lithium, etc). We will also cover basic principles of kinetic and equilibrium phenomena, radioactive dating, isotope chemistry, and “planetary chemistry.”
|
EESC 212-1
John Kessler
TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM
|
PREREQUISITES: CHEM 131, MATH 161 Most introductory courses to chemical oceanography cover a variety of topics that are only related because they are under the broad umbrella of chemical oceanography. Some of these topics include reaction rates, gas solubility and air/sea exchange, carbon dioxide and inorganic carbon chemistry, marine nutrients, organic constituents, and global chemical distributions. Similarly, most discussions of climate change and chemical oceanography only touch on ocean acidification. This course seeks to provide the same broad perspective to conventional chemical oceanography courses but will interweave the unifying theme of climate change into these numerous and diverse topics.
|
EESC 221-1
Karen Berger
MW 12:30PM - 1:45PM
|
This course provides an interdisciplinary, quantitative approach to environmental problems. Students develop a "toolkit" of quantitative methods and apply them to a variety of environmental questions. These tools include back-of-the-envelope estimation, dimensional analysis, box modeling, basic chemistry, and strategies for detecting misleading information in maps, statistics, and graphical displays of information
|
EESC 224-1
Rachel Glade
TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM
|
PREREQUISITE: MATH 162 or equivalent (should be comfortable doing calculus, basic derivatives and integrals. We will work with differential equations but it is not assumed that students will have taken a Diff Eq. Course) Earth and other planetary bodies are constantly deforming as geophysical flows drive transport of materials over a wide range of length and time scales. In this course we will explore the mechanics of geophysical flows including (but not limited to) lava flows, rivers, debris flows, ocean and atmospheric currents, mantle convection, and glaciers. The first part of the course will be a primer on necessary fundamental fluid and granular mechanics, including topics such as rheology, the navier stokes equation, fluid drag, and fluid instabilities. In the second part of the course we will use these fundamental principles to discuss scientific literature and explore case studies of geophysical flows, with specific topics driven by student interest. Throughout the semester we will cover both well-established principles and cutting edge research, using hands on demonstrations to visualize physical processes. Coursework will consist mainly of labs, problem sets, readings, and a final project.
|
EESC 224-2
Rachel Glade
T 11:05AM - 1:45PM
|
PREREQUISITE: MATH 162 or equivalent (should be comfortable doing calculus, basic derivatives and integrals. We will work with differential equations but it is not assumed that students will have taken a Diff Eq. Course) Earth and other planetary bodies are constantly deforming as geophysical flows drive transport of materials over a wide range of length and time scales. In this course we will explore the mechanics of geophysical flows including (but not limited to) lava flows, rivers, debris flows, ocean and atmospheric currents, mantle convection, and glaciers. The first part of the course will be a primer on necessary fundamental fluid and granular mechanics, including topics such as rheology, the navier stokes equation, fluid drag, and fluid instabilities. In the second part of the course we will use these fundamental principles to discuss scientific literature and explore case studies of geophysical flows, with specific topics driven by student interest. Throughout the semester we will cover both well-established principles and cutting edge research, using hands on demonstrations to visualize physical processes. Coursework will consist mainly of labs, problem sets, readings, and a final project.
|
EESC 235-1
Thomas Weber
TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM
|
The physical circulation of the ocean controls the uptake and redistribution of heat and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, so is a critical regulator of global climate. This course will provide a comprehensive and quantitative treatment of the physics that underlie ocean circulation. The dynamical equations that govern circulation will be introduced early in the course, then applied and simplified to understand the force balances that explain the major circulation regimes of the ocean: surface wind-driven circulation, gyres and western boundary currents, and the deep thermohaline circulation. The course will then explore how these circulation regimes also shape the biology of the ocean, and interact with atmospheric circulation and the global climate system. The course will involve solving and manipulating differential equations, and a background understanding of these methods is required. However, no previous oceanography experience will be assumed.
|
EESC 236-1
Lee Murray
TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM
|
PREREQUISITES: PHYS 121 or equivalent) A broad and quantitative overview of the basic features of Earth's climate system and the underlying physical processes. Topics include the global energy balance, atmospheric thermodynamics, radiative transfer, cloud microphysics, atmospheric dynamics, general circulation, weather systems, surface processes, ocean circulation, and climate variability and forecasting. Students will understand what drives present-day temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns, as well as major modes of natural climate variability including the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon and Ice Age cycles, and extreme weather. We will learn how the rise of human civilization has influenced the climate system, and how this legacy and our future actions can influence climate in the coming century.
|
EESC 236-2
Lee Murray
F 10:25AM - 11:40AM
|
A broad and quantitative overview of the basic features of Earth's climate system and the underlying physical processes. Topics include the global energy balance, atmospheric thermodynamics, radiative transfer, cloud microphysics, atmospheric dynamics, general circulation, weather systems, surface processes, ocean circulation, and climate variability and forecasting. Students will understand what drives present-day temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns, as well as major modes of natural climate variability including the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon and Ice Age cycles, and extreme weather. We will learn how the rise of human civilization has influenced the climate system, and how this legacy and our future actions can influence climate in the coming century.
|
EESC 236W-1
Lee Murray
TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM
|
PREREQUISITES: PHYS 121 or equivalent A broad and quantitative overview of the basic features of Earth's climate system and the underlying physical processes. Topics include the global energy balance, atmospheric thermodynamics, radiative transfer, cloud microphysics, atmospheric dynamics, general circulation, weather systems, surface processes, ocean circulation, and climate variability and forecasting. Students will understand what drives present-day temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns, as well as major modes of natural climate variability including the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon and Ice Age cycles, and extreme weather. We will learn how the rise of human civilization has influenced the climate system, and how this legacy and our future actions can influence climate in the coming century.
|
EESC 236W-2
Lee Murray
F 10:25AM - 11:40AM
|
PREREQUISITES: PHYS 121 or equivalent A broad and quantitative overview of the basic features of Earth's climate system and the underlying physical processes. Topics include the global energy balance, atmospheric thermodynamics, radiative transfer, cloud microphysics, atmospheric dynamics, general circulation, weather systems, surface processes, ocean circulation, and climate variability and forecasting. Students will understand what drives present-day temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns, as well as major modes of natural climate variability including the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon and Ice Age cycles, and extreme weather. We will learn how the rise of human civilization has influenced the climate system, and how this legacy and our future actions can influence climate in the coming century.
|
EESC 274W-1
Chiara Borrelli
MW 3:25PM - 4:40PM
|
This course will explore the ocean-climate system from a geological perspective, with particular emphasis on the past 65 million years of Earth’s history. In the first part of the semester, the class will learn about the ocean-climate connection today and will explore how physical, chemical, and biological aspects of ocean and climate leave characteristic imprints in marine sediments and what are the tools available to scientists to extract and read such clues. This will be done through lectures and the reading and discussion of seminal papers. The second part of the semester will focus on students’ investigation of specific past climatic regimes (e.g., greenhouse periods, rapid climatic perturbations, and transitions to cooler climates). In addition to learning paleoceanography fundamentals, students will learn how to undertake a scientific literature search, read and understand scientific material, brainstorm and develop new ideas, and write a final research proposal. This class has no specific prerequisites, but some coursework in earth sciences, oceanography, and/or geochemistry might be helpful. Cluster: N1 EES 007
|
EESC 390-1
Karen Berger
|
Attendance of all primary class lectures. Assist in at least one laboratory session per week and general preparation for answering student questions. Preparation and delivery of at least one laboratory lecture and summary discussion following the lab. Assistance with setup and dismantling of extensive lab displays of rocks, fossils and maps. Assistance with grading of lab quizzes and homework assignments and in proctoring exams. |
EESC 390-3
Gautam Mitra
|
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant in EESC 208 |
EESC 390-4
Erin Black
|
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for EESC 105 |
EESC 390A-1
Karen Berger
|
Blank Description |
EESC 393W-1
John Kessler
|
Senior Thesis |
EESC 394-1
|
Students should contact their major advisor for details. Closure course for Environmental Studies majors (ESP) and Environmental Science majors (EVS) Registration for Independent Study courses needs to be completed thru the instructions for online independent study registration. |
Fall 2023
Number | Title | Instructor | Time |
---|---|
Monday | |
EESC 101-3
Julia Masny
|
|
The Earth is a complex of interrelated systems, all of which fall under the umbrella of Earth Science. This course is an introduction to some of Earths systems: the Exosphere (the Universe and everything in it, including the Earth); the Geosphere (geology, the study of rocks and the history they record); Hydrosphere (liquid and frozen water moving on and under the surface of the Earth); the Atmosphere (the gas envelope blanketing the Earth); and the Biosphere (the relationships of living things on Earth). These systems interact, and a perturbation in one sphere may have lasting effects on others (for example, global climate change). This course includes a laboratory in which students gain hands-on experience with Earth materials. |
|
EESC 105-2
Erin Black
|
|
This course will explore the Earth's dynamic climate system through lectures, discussions and computer-based modeling of climate processes. We will work toward an understanding of several fundamental and important questions. What are the main factors that determine the Earth's climate? What forces can drive climate to change? What can we learn from climate change in the Earth's distant past, when our planet experienced periods of both extreme cold and warmth? How do we know that our climate is now changing? What can we expect from the Earth's climate in the near future and how would it affect us? While the course is designed to be accessible to all students, a working knowledge of high school level algebra is expected; it is also expected that you have taken high school level chemistry. |
|
Monday and Wednesday | |
EESC 209-1
Dustin Trail
|
|
Earth's chemical systems are interconnected. This course will explore the chemistry and chemical interactions between: (i) Earth’s volatile envelopes (atmosphere and oceans); (ii) the crust which we live on; and (iii) the deep interior or our planet (mantle and core). The goal is to develop an appreciation of the complexity, breadth, and scales of Earth-systems chemistry. Part of the course will be devoted to the study of elements and minerals critical to modern technologies (e.g. rare earth elements, lithium, etc). We will also cover basic principles of kinetic and equilibrium phenomena, radioactive dating, isotope chemistry, and “planetary chemistry.” |
|
EESC 209W-1
Dustin Trail
|
|
Earth's chemical systems are interconnected. This course will explore the chemistry and chemical interactions between: (i) Earth’s volatile envelopes (atmosphere and oceans); (ii) the crust which we live on; and (iii) the deep interior or our planet (mantle and core). The goal is to develop an appreciation of the complexity, breadth, and scales of Earth-systems chemistry. Part of the course will be devoted to the study of elements and minerals critical to modern technologies (e.g. rare earth elements, lithium, etc). We will also cover basic principles of kinetic and equilibrium phenomena, radioactive dating, isotope chemistry, and “planetary chemistry.” |
|
EESC 221-1
Karen Berger
|
|
This course provides an interdisciplinary, quantitative approach to environmental problems. Students develop a "toolkit" of quantitative methods and apply them to a variety of environmental questions. These tools include back-of-the-envelope estimation, dimensional analysis, box modeling, basic chemistry, and strategies for detecting misleading information in maps, statistics, and graphical displays of information |
|
EESC 274W-1
Chiara Borrelli
|
|
This course will explore the ocean-climate system from a geological perspective, with particular emphasis on the past 65 million years of Earth’s history. In the first part of the semester, the class will learn about the ocean-climate connection today and will explore how physical, chemical, and biological aspects of ocean and climate leave characteristic imprints in marine sediments and what are the tools available to scientists to extract and read such clues. This will be done through lectures and the reading and discussion of seminal papers. The second part of the semester will focus on students’ investigation of specific past climatic regimes (e.g., greenhouse periods, rapid climatic perturbations, and transitions to cooler climates). In addition to learning paleoceanography fundamentals, students will learn how to undertake a scientific literature search, read and understand scientific material, brainstorm and develop new ideas, and write a final research proposal. This class has no specific prerequisites, but some coursework in earth sciences, oceanography, and/or geochemistry might be helpful. Cluster: N1 EES 007 |
|
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday | |
EESC 101-1
Julia Masny
|
|
The Earth is a complex of interrelated systems, all of which fall under the umbrella of Earth Science. This course is an introduction to some of Earths systems: the Exosphere (the Universe and everything in it, including the Earth); the Geosphere (geology, the study of rocks and the history they record); Hydrosphere (liquid and frozen water moving on and under the surface of the Earth); the Atmosphere (the gas envelope blanketing the Earth); and the Biosphere (the relationships of living things on Earth). These systems interact, and a perturbation in one sphere may have lasting effects on others (for example, global climate change). This course includes a laboratory in which students gain hands-on experience with Earth materials. |
|
EESC 205-1
Rory Cottrell
|
|
This course is intended for motivated students that are interested in an introduction to geophysics. Material covered will focus on deep Earth processes: an introduction to potential fields, gravity, heat flow, magnetic fields, propagation of seismic waves, and a bottom-up approach to core processes, mantle flow and plate tectonics. |
|
Tuesday | |
EESC 224-2
Rachel Glade
|
|
PREREQUISITE: MATH 162 or equivalent (should be comfortable doing calculus, basic derivatives and integrals. We will work with differential equations but it is not assumed that students will have taken a Diff Eq. Course) Earth and other planetary bodies are constantly deforming as geophysical flows drive transport of materials over a wide range of length and time scales. In this course we will explore the mechanics of geophysical flows including (but not limited to) lava flows, rivers, debris flows, ocean and atmospheric currents, mantle convection, and glaciers. The first part of the course will be a primer on necessary fundamental fluid and granular mechanics, including topics such as rheology, the navier stokes equation, fluid drag, and fluid instabilities. In the second part of the course we will use these fundamental principles to discuss scientific literature and explore case studies of geophysical flows, with specific topics driven by student interest. Throughout the semester we will cover both well-established principles and cutting edge research, using hands on demonstrations to visualize physical processes. Coursework will consist mainly of labs, problem sets, readings, and a final project. |
|
EESC 101-2
Julia Masny
|
|
The Earth is a complex of interrelated systems, all of which fall under the umbrella of Earth Science. This course is an introduction to some of Earths systems: the Exosphere (the Universe and everything in it, including the Earth); the Geosphere (geology, the study of rocks and the history they record); Hydrosphere (liquid and frozen water moving on and under the surface of the Earth); the Atmosphere (the gas envelope blanketing the Earth); and the Biosphere (the relationships of living things on Earth). These systems interact, and a perturbation in one sphere may have lasting effects on others (for example, global climate change). This course includes a laboratory in which students gain hands-on experience with Earth materials. |
|
Tuesday and Thursday | |
EESC 105-1
Erin Black
|
|
This course will explore the Earth's dynamic climate system through lectures, discussions and computer-based modeling of climate processes. We will work toward an understanding of several fundamental and important questions. What are the main factors that determine the Earth's climate? What forces can drive climate to change? What can we learn from climate change in the Earth's distant past, when our planet experienced periods of both extreme cold and warmth? How do we know that our climate is now changing? What can we expect from the Earth's climate in the near future and how would it affect us? While the course is designed to be accessible to all students, a working knowledge of high school level algebra is expected; it is also expected that you have taken high school level chemistry. |
|
EESC 203-1
Julia Masny
|
|
Sediments and sedimentary rocks cover or underlie much of the Earth's surface. They record evidence of the processes responsible for shaping the planetary surface and the record of life. They also contain enormous volumes of water, solid and fluid hydrocarbons, and other natural resources. In this context, sediments and sedimentary rocks are very important to our way of life, but they also provide key pieces of information that enables us to understand how our planet has weathered and evolved. This course describes and classifies sedimentary rocks to understand the processes that shape them and the environments in which they form. |
|
EESC 203W-1
Julia Masny
|
|
Blank Description |
|
EESC 235-1
Thomas Weber
|
|
The physical circulation of the ocean controls the uptake and redistribution of heat and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, so is a critical regulator of global climate. This course will provide a comprehensive and quantitative treatment of the physics that underlie ocean circulation. The dynamical equations that govern circulation will be introduced early in the course, then applied and simplified to understand the force balances that explain the major circulation regimes of the ocean: surface wind-driven circulation, gyres and western boundary currents, and the deep thermohaline circulation. The course will then explore how these circulation regimes also shape the biology of the ocean, and interact with atmospheric circulation and the global climate system. The course will involve solving and manipulating differential equations, and a background understanding of these methods is required. However, no previous oceanography experience will be assumed. |
|
EESC 212-1
John Kessler
|
|
PREREQUISITES: CHEM 131, MATH 161 Most introductory courses to chemical oceanography cover a variety of topics that are only related because they are under the broad umbrella of chemical oceanography. Some of these topics include reaction rates, gas solubility and air/sea exchange, carbon dioxide and inorganic carbon chemistry, marine nutrients, organic constituents, and global chemical distributions. Similarly, most discussions of climate change and chemical oceanography only touch on ocean acidification. This course seeks to provide the same broad perspective to conventional chemical oceanography courses but will interweave the unifying theme of climate change into these numerous and diverse topics. |
|
EESC 224-1
Rachel Glade
|
|
PREREQUISITE: MATH 162 or equivalent (should be comfortable doing calculus, basic derivatives and integrals. We will work with differential equations but it is not assumed that students will have taken a Diff Eq. Course) Earth and other planetary bodies are constantly deforming as geophysical flows drive transport of materials over a wide range of length and time scales. In this course we will explore the mechanics of geophysical flows including (but not limited to) lava flows, rivers, debris flows, ocean and atmospheric currents, mantle convection, and glaciers. The first part of the course will be a primer on necessary fundamental fluid and granular mechanics, including topics such as rheology, the navier stokes equation, fluid drag, and fluid instabilities. In the second part of the course we will use these fundamental principles to discuss scientific literature and explore case studies of geophysical flows, with specific topics driven by student interest. Throughout the semester we will cover both well-established principles and cutting edge research, using hands on demonstrations to visualize physical processes. Coursework will consist mainly of labs, problem sets, readings, and a final project. |
|
EESC 236-1
Lee Murray
|
|
PREREQUISITES: PHYS 121 or equivalent) A broad and quantitative overview of the basic features of Earth's climate system and the underlying physical processes. Topics include the global energy balance, atmospheric thermodynamics, radiative transfer, cloud microphysics, atmospheric dynamics, general circulation, weather systems, surface processes, ocean circulation, and climate variability and forecasting. Students will understand what drives present-day temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns, as well as major modes of natural climate variability including the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon and Ice Age cycles, and extreme weather. We will learn how the rise of human civilization has influenced the climate system, and how this legacy and our future actions can influence climate in the coming century. |
|
EESC 236W-1
Lee Murray
|
|
PREREQUISITES: PHYS 121 or equivalent A broad and quantitative overview of the basic features of Earth's climate system and the underlying physical processes. Topics include the global energy balance, atmospheric thermodynamics, radiative transfer, cloud microphysics, atmospheric dynamics, general circulation, weather systems, surface processes, ocean circulation, and climate variability and forecasting. Students will understand what drives present-day temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns, as well as major modes of natural climate variability including the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon and Ice Age cycles, and extreme weather. We will learn how the rise of human civilization has influenced the climate system, and how this legacy and our future actions can influence climate in the coming century. |
|
Wednesday | |
EESC 101-5
Julia Masny
|
|
The Earth is a complex of interrelated systems, all of which fall under the umbrella of Earth Science. This course is an introduction to some of Earths systems: the Exosphere (the Universe and everything in it, including the Earth); the Geosphere (geology, the study of rocks and the history they record); Hydrosphere (liquid and frozen water moving on and under the surface of the Earth); the Atmosphere (the gas envelope blanketing the Earth); and the Biosphere (the relationships of living things on Earth). These systems interact, and a perturbation in one sphere may have lasting effects on others (for example, global climate change). This course includes a laboratory in which students gain hands-on experience with Earth materials. |
|
Thursday | |
EESC 203-2
Julia Masny
|
|
Sediments and sedimentary rocks cover or underlie much of the Earth's surface. They record evidence of the processes responsible for shaping the planetary surface and the record of life. They also contain enormous volumes of water, solid and fluid hydrocarbons, and other natural resources. In this context, sediments and sedimentary rocks are very important to our way of life, but they also provide key pieces of information that enables us to understand how our planet has weathered and evolved. This course describes and classifies sedimentary rocks to understand the processes that shape them and the environments in which they form. |
|
EESC 203W-2
Julia Masny
|
|
Blank Description |
|
EESC 105-3
Erin Black
|
|
This course will explore the Earth's dynamic climate system through lectures, discussions and computer-based modeling of climate processes. We will work toward an understanding of several fundamental and important questions. What are the main factors that determine the Earth's climate? What forces can drive climate to change? What can we learn from climate change in the Earth's distant past, when our planet experienced periods of both extreme cold and warmth? How do we know that our climate is now changing? What can we expect from the Earth's climate in the near future and how would it affect us? While the course is designed to be accessible to all students, a working knowledge of high school level algebra is expected; it is also expected that you have taken high school level chemistry. |
|
Friday | |
EESC 236-2
Lee Murray
|
|
A broad and quantitative overview of the basic features of Earth's climate system and the underlying physical processes. Topics include the global energy balance, atmospheric thermodynamics, radiative transfer, cloud microphysics, atmospheric dynamics, general circulation, weather systems, surface processes, ocean circulation, and climate variability and forecasting. Students will understand what drives present-day temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns, as well as major modes of natural climate variability including the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon and Ice Age cycles, and extreme weather. We will learn how the rise of human civilization has influenced the climate system, and how this legacy and our future actions can influence climate in the coming century. |
|
EESC 236W-2
Lee Murray
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PREREQUISITES: PHYS 121 or equivalent A broad and quantitative overview of the basic features of Earth's climate system and the underlying physical processes. Topics include the global energy balance, atmospheric thermodynamics, radiative transfer, cloud microphysics, atmospheric dynamics, general circulation, weather systems, surface processes, ocean circulation, and climate variability and forecasting. Students will understand what drives present-day temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns, as well as major modes of natural climate variability including the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon and Ice Age cycles, and extreme weather. We will learn how the rise of human civilization has influenced the climate system, and how this legacy and our future actions can influence climate in the coming century. |