Middlebury

ECSC 0302

Climate and Earth's History

Climate and Earth’s History
In this course we will discuss how external forces and internal feedbacks within the Earth system govern climate. Specific topics will include orbital variability, changes in ocean circulation, CO2 uptake in terrestrial ecosystems, and molecular vibrational controls on infrared absorption and Earth's heat budget. We will then examine climate change through Earth's history as evidenced by a number of geologic proxies including the sedimentary record, ice cores, isotopic records, glaciers, soils, and tree rings. Ultimately, our improved understanding of past climates will provide a context within which to discuss future changes to come. (one ECSC course, or by waiver) 3 hrs. lect. (Formally GEOL 0302)
Subject:
Earth & Climate Sciences
Department:
Earth & Climate Sciences
Division:
Natural Sciences
Requirements Fulfilled:
SCI
Equivalent Courses:
GEOL 0202
GEOL 0221
GEOL 0302
ECSC 0221

Sections in Spring 2017