The oceans cover over 2/3 of the Earth's surface. This course introduces basic oceanographic concepts such as plate tectonics, marine sediments, physical and chemical properties of seawater, ocean circulation, air-sea interactions, waves, tides, nutrient cycles in the ocean, biology of the oceans, and environmental issues related to the marine environment.

Origin of Earth, continents, and life. Continental movements, changing climates, and evolving life.

Origin of Earth, continents, and life. Continental movements, changing climates, and evolving life.

Origin of Earth, continents, and life. Continental movements, changing climates, and evolving life.

Origin of Earth, continents, and life. Continental movements, changing climates, and evolving life.

Origin of Earth, continents, and life. Continental movements, changing climates, and evolving life.

Origin of Earth, continents, and life. Continental movements, changing climates, and evolving life.

Origin of Earth, continents, and life. Continental movements, changing climates, and evolving life.

An introduction to processes and forces that form the surface and the interior of the Earth. Topics include, changes in climate, the history of life, as well as earth resources and their uses.

This course will use the weekly EES seminar series to survey historic breakthrogh papers or topics in the earth sciences, as well as modern papers - written by the seminar speakers - that often put the classics in perspective. Graduate students (Ph.D. only) in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science will engage in the material through reading, presentation, and discussion. The course has several goals. (1.) To engender an understanding and appreciation of major breakthroughs in our field. (2.) To develop skills in presenting and discussing scientific results. And (3.) to refine students' understanding of what constitutes great science.