Our Water Resources

Catalog description

This course is a study of the global water cycle in which water moves through the Earth system (defined, for example, as the lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere). This course explores how the water cycle exchanges matter and energy, controls climate, and influences life on Earth. This course also explores how the water cycle is impacted by human activity, as water is acquired, conveyed, managed, and used by societies as a critical resource. The laboratory offers students an opportunity to use industry-standard software to improve their conceptual understanding and technical skills. In the laboratory, Earth science and hydrologic concepts are reinforced through data analysis, visualization, and interpretation. Throughout this course, students carry out a research project on the water cycle. (3 lecture and 1 laboratory credits)