Earth's Critical Zone

3 credits · Undergraduate

This course examines the Earth’s critical zone, which is a dynamic and evolving system that encompasses the region of the Earth where rocks, soils, and groundwater interact with living organisms and lower atmospheric conditions to regulate life on the planet. Processes and pathways linking climatology, hydrology, soil science, ecology, and geomorphology are examined and used to evaluate natural and anthropogenic impacts (land use change, resource development, climate change) which regulate and modify conditions in the critical zone. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 210-3 and 60 credit hours, or permission of the instructor