This course is an introduction to Earth Science, focusing on earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and landslides. Our earth is a dynamic planet, incessantly creating ocean basins and mountain ranges, accompanied by earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. This course is designed to acquaint you with how the Earth functions, how it is changing, how its features shape human society, and how we change the Earth itself.

This course is an introduction to Earth Science, focusing on earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and landslides. Our earth is a dynamic planet, incessantly creating ocean basins and mountain ranges, accompanied by earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. This course is designed to acquaint you with how the Earth functions, how it is changing, how its features shape human society, and how we change the Earth itself.

The oceans cover about 71% of Earth's surface and yet the ocean basins are vast regions still shrouded in mystery, where new discoveries are being made every year. In this course, you will be provided with a basic knowledge of how the global ocean works, how it impacts and controls the habitability of our planet, and how vital it is to our very existence. Major topics that will be explored include: 1) the hydrosphere, atmosphere and global climate, 2) ocean circulation, 3) the marine biosphere, and 4) coastal habitats, natural hazards, and human impacts.

The natural processes of the ocean, including earthquakes and volcanoes, the hydrologic cycle and weather, ocean circulation and the global energy balance, the carbon cycle and productivity, biodi-versity and marine food webs, coastal dynamics. Also, global warming, sea-level rise, environmental degradation and the ocean system response to human activity and global change. Interactive class sessions, with considerable participation by students in problem solving, discussions, and demonstrations. Exams and grades based on teamwork as well as on individual performance.

The natural processes of the ocean, including earthquakes and volcanoes, the hydrologic cycle and weather, ocean circulation and the global energy balance, the carbon cycle and productivity, biodi-versity and marine food webs, coastal dynamics. Also, global warming, sea-level rise, environmental degradation and the ocean system response to human activity and global change. Interactive class sessions, with considerable participation by students in problem solving, discussions, and demonstrations. Exams and grades based on teamwork as well as on individual performance.

Basic knowledge about the origin, nature and functions of Planet Earth: plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountains; geologic time; water, waves, ice and wind in modification of landscapes; formation, location and sustainability of earth resources; the role of geosciences in society, and application of geoscience knowledge in problem-solving and decision-making. Excellent launching point for further studies in hazards, resources, water, climate, and sustainability. With lab and field excursions. (Gen. Ed. PS)

Basic knowledge about the origin, nature and functions of Planet Earth: plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountains; geologic time; water, waves, ice and wind in modification of landscapes; formation, location and sustainability of earth resources; the role of geosciences in society, and application of geoscience knowledge in problem-solving and decision-making. Excellent launching point for further studies in hazards, resources, water, climate, and sustainability. With lab and field excursions. (Gen. Ed. PS)

Basic knowledge about the origin, nature and functions of Planet Earth: plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountains; geologic time; water, waves, ice and wind in modification of landscapes; formation, location and sustainability of earth resources; the role of geosciences in society, and application of geoscience knowledge in problem-solving and decision-making. Excellent launching point for further studies in hazards, resources, water, climate, and sustainability. With lab and field excursions. (Gen. Ed. PS)

Basic knowledge about the origin, nature and functions of Planet Earth: plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountains; geologic time; water, waves, ice and wind in modification of landscapes; formation, location and sustainability of earth resources; the role of geosciences in society, and application of geoscience knowledge in problem-solving and decision-making. Excellent launching point for further studies in hazards, resources, water, climate, and sustainability. With lab and field excursions. (Gen. Ed. PS)

Basic knowledge about the origin, nature and functions of Planet Earth: plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountains; geologic time; water, waves, ice and wind in modification of landscapes; formation, location and sustainability of earth resources; the role of geosciences in society, and application of geoscience knowledge in problem-solving and decision-making. Excellent launching point for further studies in hazards, resources, water, climate, and sustainability. With lab and field excursions. (Gen. Ed. PS)