Introduction to Oceanography

Catalog description

This introductory course focuses on the oceanic component of the Earth system with particular emphasis on the role of the ocean in the Earth's geological, biological, chemical, physical and climatic cycles. This course includes a discussion of a number of interdisciplinary topics that are pertinent to current environmental awareness including El Nino, Global Warming, The Carbon Cycle, the physical and chemical properties of sea water and sea ice, and tidal fluctuations. Also addressed will be the origin and evolution of marine basins, oceanic circulation, and the ocean's role in climate control