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The Marine Environment


Course Description

Physical, chemical, and geological characteristics of the marine environment. The effects of human activity on marine environments and resources.


Athena Title

The Marine Environment


Equivalent Courses

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


Corequisite

MARS 1010L


Semester Course Offered

Offered fall


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

Physical, chemical, and geological aspects of the marine environment are discussed. The course will provide students with an understanding of basic knowledge about the geological evolution of ocean basins, the composition of seawater and chemical cycles that control biological processes, and physical principles behind waves, tides, and currents. Near- shore and estuarine processes, issues regarding the impacts of society on ocean systems, and the role of oceans in climate change will be presented. This course is intended to satisfy the Physical Science requirement for non-science degree candidates, as well as the Environmental literacy requirement.


Topical Outline

Introduction and History of Ocean Sciences The Early Earth and Ocean Properties of Water and The Hydrologic Cycle Earth’s Heat Budget Earth's Rotation and the Coriolis Force Atmosphere/Ocean Processes El Nino Thermohaline and Vertical Circulation Wind Driven Circulation - Ekman Transport and Surface Currents Wind Waves Long Period Waves - Internal, Tsunami Tides Ocean Chemistry Biogeochemistry: The Biological Pump The Sun and Ocean Chemistry Beaches and Coastlines The Sea Floor and its Sediments Cold Seeps and Hot Vents Plate Tectonics Paleoceanography Human Impacts: Pollution and Oil Spills Humans Impact: Water Quality Humans and Coastal Ecosystems: Eutrophication Global Climate Change The Polar Ocean and Earth Systems Modeling


General Education Core

CORE II: Physical Sciences

Syllabus