Coastal Environmental Oceanography

Catalog description

This course examines the interaction of biological, chemical, physical, geological and ecological ocean processes as applied to coastal environments. Emphasis is placed on environmental management issues of the coastal zone. Topics include water quality analysis, barrier island geology and ecology, estuarine pollution, beach defense and biological implications in areas of coastal up welling and coastal fronts. Specific cases in coastal pollution will be examined from coastal environments around the U.S., including Kepone in the James River, VA, DDT on the Palos Verde Shelf, CA., Eutrophication on the North Carolina Coast, The Exxon-Valdex Oil spill and Pfsteria in the coastal waters of N.C. and VA. Cross listed as MARS551. Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.