Earth System Science

With increasing global population, the threat of global warming, and a growing demand for raw materials and energy, grasping a basic understanding of the Earth system is more important than ever.

EAR 203 illustrates the interconnectedness of biologic, hydrologic, atmospheric, and geologic processes in shaping our planet. You will learn how the basic elements of the Earth interact through various linkages and feedbacks that operate over timescales from a few to millions of years.

A major goal is to give students a basic, yet comprehensive, view of the Earth system necessary for evaluating information and making decisions about environmental issues.