3 credits
Fall 2025 Lecture Upper Division
This class will explore the major components of the Earth System - the atmosphere, the hydrosphere (ocean + cryosphere), the biosphere, and the solid Earth - and their interactions, both today and through time. Topics include (1) the evolution of earth's climate system, from global glaciation to ice-free states in the past to future anthropogenic climate change scenarios; (2) how the circulation of the atmosphere, ocean, and solid earth shape the distribution of chemicals and life through time; (3) how life has transformed Earth's surface environments; and (4) the interplay between atmospheres, oceans, geology, and life on other worlds.
Learning Outcomes1Describe the components of the Earth System and their interactions.
2Discuss how the Earth system has evolved from its formation to present-day.
3Understand the role of humans in the Earth System and scenarios for future Earth System evolution.
4Consider how other planetary systems may resemble or differ from the Earth System.
made by Purdue students.