EPS450: Earth and the Climate Crisis

This course will study the complex interconnected systems (e.g., lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere)of our planet Earth. Students will develop an understanding?of the basic workings of the Earth from its origin to the present, and will investigate the scientific basis for some of today's most pressing challenges, such as global climate change and the search for newer and safer energy resources. Selected topics will include plate tectonics, the rock cycle, geologic time,the formation of the Appalachians, natural hazards (such as earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis), global climate change, and the challenge of finding and managing energy resources. Laboratory work, including local field trips and inquiry-based exercises using authentic maps and databases (such as NOAA and USGS), will complement classroom discussion.