Water, Energy and Climate Change on the Colorado Plateau

Catalog description

Three lecture. Learners will examine the nexus of water, energy and climate change on the Colorado Plateau. Course will examine fundamental principles of hydrology, climatology, historic human usage of energy and water, current patterns of water distribution and use, the different energy fuels and systems employed for electrical generation, and the current and projected effects of climate change on biota, ecosystems and future generations. Field trips required. Students will be able to: a scientific understanding of the hydrology and water movement on the Colorado Plateau and the foundational geology of energy sources; developing a historic context for understanding current water and energy problems; examining how climate is currently and anticipated to affect biome structure and ecosystem integrity; a foundational understanding of current problems enabling them to propose potential solutions to water, energy and climate problems, and assess the viability of such proposals whether such proposals are created in the class or the public domain. Prerequisite(s): ENG 101 and MAT 088 Grading Option: May be taken for S/U credit.