Several laboratory sessions are devoted to off-campus field trips. Distribution of marine sediments, properties of seawater, waves and tides, and the influence of air-sea interaction and oceanic circulations on regional climate changes are discussed. Course syllabus Three 50-minute periods. An introduction to the basic principles needed to understand humankind's use and abuse of soil, water, fuels, and other resources. Three 50-minute periods.
Topics change regularly.
Geology controls the landscape, and landscape has a profound influence on history. The geological history of the mid-Hudson Valley is over one billion years long, the natural history covers only a few thousand years. Through reading, writing discussions and field trips, this course explores the relationships between geology, landscape, and history addressing such topics as changing patterns of settlement, changing vegetation patterns in response to climate change and land use, current environmental issues such as power generation and disposal of municipal and toxic wasters. Fulfills Freshman Course Requirement. Two 75-minute periods.