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Introduction to the Marine Environment


Course Description

Physical, chemical, and geological characteristics of the marine environment, including waves, currents, and tides; ocean chemistry and elemental cycles; and the structure of ocean basins. The role of marine environments in global systems. The effects of human activity on the marine environment and marine resources.


Athena Title

Intro to Marine Environment


Equivalent Courses

Not open to students with credit in MARS 1010, MARS 1011E, MARS 1015H, MARS 1030, MARS 1030H


Semester Course Offered

Offered spring


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

This course will describe the physical, chemical and geological characteristics of the marine environment. It will provide students with an understanding of the basic physical principles behind waves, currents and tides, chemical concepts as they relate to seawater chemistry, and the geological processes that structure ocean basins. Students will also learn about the role of marine environments in global cycles and the global climate system, and the effects of human activity on these systems. Special emphasis will be placed on near-shore and estuarine ecosystems, the economic and cultural use of these systems by society, and the ethical and technical issues involved in assessing the impacts of such use.


Topical Outline

The Early Earth and Ocean Properties of Water Solar Input Coriolis Force Atmosphere/Ocean Linkages Thermohaline Circulation Wind-Driven Circulation El nino/Southern Oscillation Acoustics Waves Tides Plate Tectonics and Ocean Basins Sediments Marine Provinces Shorelines and Coastal Zones Chemistry of Seawater Primary Production and Nutrient cycles Chemosynthetic Ecosystems Oceanic/Global Carbon Cycle Human Impacts Marine Pollution Coastal Eutrophication Harmful Algal Blooms Global Climate Change Ocean pH


General Education Core

CORE II: Physical Sciences