GEOS 103(F) The Interconnected Earth (Same as Environmental Studies 103)

Hurricane Katrina. Banda Aceh Tsunami. Antarctic Ozone Depletion. Salton Sea. Qiqsuqqaqtuq. These names and short phrases, some obvious in origin, some not so well known, but just as profound, serve to remind us that our planet is made up of a number of complex, dynamic, and interrelated systems. Today, more than ever in human history, the impact of our activities are apparent on a global scale, as we alter the environment for ourselves and the rest of earth's inhabitants. These intertwined systems include the solid earth (geosphere), gaseous earth (atmosphere), polar icecaps (cryosphere) and liquid fresh and saltwater (hydrosphere), and the total mass of current and former living organisms (biota) that draw on the energy and resources of the Earth Systems for survival. Most importantly, seemingly small changes in one system can have profound effects on the behavior of all others. In this course, we will examine the interconnectedness of these systems with emphasis on present-day interactions. We will explore how Earth Systems react to external stresses or changes, the time scales associated with major and minor perturbations, and the non-linear return to a steady state. We will carefully consider the ways in which earth scientists quantify these behaviors to predict future changes using current data. We will examine the evidence that human activity can alter Earth Systems stability and the permanence and scale of such alteration. We will also consider how scientific data inform government policies and popular views of how these systems evolve and interact.
Format: Lecture, three hours per week. Laboratory, two hours every other week, several involving field work. Grading will be based on two hour exams and a final, laboratory exercises and class participation.
No prerequisites, no knowledge of geology or earth science required . Enrollment limit: 30. Preference given to first-year students.
This course satisfies "The Natural World" requirement for the Environmental Studies concentration.

Hour: PYLE