Professors: Cameron Wake (cameron.wake@unh.edu) € 354 Morse Hall € 862-2329M
George Hurtt (george.hurtt@unh.edu) € 451 Morse Hall € 862-1792
This course provides an introduction to the study of Earth as an integrated system. We will introduce the major components, interactions, and concepts for characterizing the contemporary Earth System (e.g. spheres, cycles, energy balance, equilibrium, feedbacks, linear and non-linear dynamics). Each lecture will build on background information to address advanced themes from recent scientific literature (e.g. non-linear systems, thresholds in metastable systems), and will include opportunities for class participation through group problem solving exercises and discussions. Research scientists from NASA who work in the field of Earth System Science will present guest lectures. Labs will focus on building computer models of key Earth System interactions discussed in the lectures. During the second part of the course, students will develop their own computer models to explore a specific question in Earth System Science.
Prerequisites: Calculus I and permission of instructor.
This course is intended for juniors or seniors with a science background as well as incoming graduate students.