Lecture Description
Plate tectonics and ocean bathymetry are discussed. Bathymetry is the study of ocean depth, which is affected in some regions by plate tectonics and mantle dynamics. Mid-ocean ridges are formed at plate boundaries where mantle material is rising to the ocean crust and solidifying as it cools to form new ocean crust material. Seamounts are volcanoes that have formed from molten mantle material pushing up through the ocean crust, but these volcanoes lie below sea level. These features are measured using acoustic depth profiling. Ocean water properties, such as temperature and salinity, as well as the methods used to measure them are also discussed.
Course Index
- Introduction to Atmospheres
- Retaining an Atmosphere
- The Perfect Gas Law
- Vertical Structure of the Atmosphere; Residence Time
- Earth Systems Analysis (Tank Experiment)
- Greenhouse Effect, Habitability
- Hydrostatic Balance
- Horizontal Transport
- Water in the Atmosphere I
- Water in the Atmosphere II
- Clouds and Precipitation (Cloud Chamber Experiment)
- Circulation of the Atmosphere (Exam I review)
- Global Climate and the Coriolis Force
- Coriolis Force and Storms
- Convective Storms
- Frontal Cyclones
- Seasons and Climate
- Seasons and Climate Classification
- Ocean Bathymetry and Water Properties
- Ocean Bathymetry and Water Properties
- Ocean Water Density and Atmospheric Forcing
- Ocean Currents
- Ocean Currents and Productivity
- El Niño
- Ice in the Climate System
- Ice and Climate Change
- Isotope Evidence for Climate Change
- Global Warming
- Global Warming II
- Global Warming III
- Climate Sensitivity and Human Population
- The Two Ozone Problems
- The Ozone Layer
- Energy Resources, Renewable Energy
- Renewable Energy
- Review and Overview
- Lab - Quinnipiac River Field Trip
Course Description
This course explores the physical processes that control Earth's atmosphere, ocean, and climate. Quantitative methods for constructing mass and energy budgets. Topics include clouds, rain, severe storms, regional climate, the ozone layer, air pollution, ocean currents and productivity, the seasons, El Niño, the history of Earth's climate, global warming, energy, and water resources.