Middlebury

GEOL 0221

Geology of Climate Change

The Geology of Climate Change
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 Geology course) (open to Juniors and Seniors by waiver)
Subject:
Geology
Department:
Geology
Division:
Natural Sciences
Requirements Fulfilled:
SCI
Equivalent Courses:
ECSC 0302 *
ECSC 0202 *
ECSC 0221
GEOL 0302
GEOL 0202

Sections in Spring 2012

Spring 2012

GEOL0221A-S12 Lecture (Ryan, Amidon)