Earth Systems Science

Dynamic interactions between the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere determine the natural conditions of Earth at all spatial and temporal scales.  These interactions cycle matter and energy through the earth system via coupled chemical and physical processes.  For example, the tectonic uplift of mountain belts alter atmospheric circulation patterns which in turn influence regional climate conditions promoting revisions to biodiversity.  The time scale over which such events operate, and the specific age at which certain events occur in the geological record, represent the foundations of geochronology. Understanding the processes that link significant chemical and physical changes in the earth system through time is a core component of modern geological science.

This course covers the fundamental chemical and physical processes at work within the earth system through a combination of knowledge-based and applied teaching approaches.  Lectures will both transfer knowledge and engage students in case studies.  Laboratory exercises will apply lecture material to a variety of physical, chemical, and numerical problems.  Topics to be covered include: biogeochemistry; hydrology & hydrogeology; low temperature geochemistry; geochronology.

Learning Outcomes

This course seeks to provide students with fundamental knowledge and understanding of the processes at work within the Earth system on a variety of spatial and temporal scales.

Students successfully completing GEOL245 will:

• know fundamental chemical reactions occurring in the Earth system.
• know the processes that define the global biogeochemical cycles.
• know how to calculate absolute ages using geochronologic methods.
• understand the physical processes governing the transport of water through surface and subsurface systems.
• understand how changes in one component of the Earth system will impact other components of the Earth system.The topics coved by this course are:
• Biogeochemistry
• Low-Temperature Geochemistry
• Hydrology
• Hydrogeology
• Aqueous Geochemistry
• Geochronology