Weekend field trips may replace some laboratory periods. Ocean and Atmosphere. Topics include geology of the sea floor, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, tides and currents, seawater chemistry, storm systems, global warming and marine biology and ecology. The Gaia Hypothesis is proposed as an organizing principle. The laboratory emphasizes meteorological instruments and observations and the description, identification and drawing of marine organisms using the microscope and models.
Students prepare their own collection of marine shells.
Weekend field trips may replace some laboratory periods. Special Topics in Geology. Authorized field research studies or other courses with departmental approval. One to three hours. Soil Science and Groundwater Hydrology.