ENV 120 - Earth Processes

Atmospheric, oceanic, and geological processes are intertwined in our understanding of Earth’s inner workings. To address environmental problems requires first an understanding of how life was made possible by physical processes. In this course, students will learn the basics of Earth dynamics in the atmosphere, ocean, and land to develop a foundational knowledge of how Earth was formed and continues to be shaped by physical processes. This course will include topics such as plate tectonics, wave and ocean current dynamics, ocean-atmospheric cycling, weather and climate patterns, and lifecycle analyses of chemicals/minerals throughout the physical spheres on Earth. Letter grade with Pass/No Pass option. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits