GEOL 417 - Geological Perspectives on Climate Change

This course considers the basic physics governing Earth’s climate system, how a series of complicated feedbacks can influence the climatic response to greenhouse gases and what past greenhouse climates can tell us about future change. Specific topics covered include Earth’s energy balance, climate sensitivity, feedbacks in the climate system, the role of the carbon cycle, how geologic archives record climate and case studies from Cenozoic greenhouse climates. Concepts from geology, chemistry and physics are used to explore these complex, multidisciplinary topics through discussion, debate, and data analysis.

Prerequisites & Notes: GEOL 211; CHEM 162 or concurrent; PHYS 116 or PHYS 163 or concurrent; or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter