Introduction to the Global Carbon Cycle

4-0-8 units. REST · Undergraduate

Introduction to the chemical and biological mechanisms controlling Earth's global carbon and related elemental cycles across atmospheric, aquatic, and terrestrial systems. Fundamental principles of redox, equilibria, and acid/base reactions are explored via their links in the Earth system and with respect to climate feedbacks and ecosystem dynamics, providing perspectives for climate interventions and the future of our planet. Students create individual "toy" global carbon cycle models to investigate how natural and anthropogenic perturbations to the carbon cycle modify Earth's climate.