The Ocean Systems

Catalog description

This course investigates the complex ocean system by looking at the way its components — atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere — interact. Specific topics include the origins of Earth ’ s oceans and the early history of life; physical characteristics and geologic processes of the ocean floor; chemistry of the water molecule; energy flow between air and water and how ocean surface currents and deep circulation patterns affect weather and climate; marine biology and why ecosystems are an integral part of the ocean system; the effects of human activity; and the role of professional educators in teaching about ocean systems.