ERS 401 - Paleoceanography

The ocean plays a central role in regulating climate and supporting life on our planet, and it has not always operated as it does today. Throughout Earth history, the ocean has undergone dramatic changes in circulation, temperature, chemical composition, and more. In this course, students will explore our ocean’s dynamic past, which provides insight into its present and future behavior. We will discuss key research techniques, major discoveries, and emerging frontiers in the field of paleoceanography (the study of the global ocean’s circulation, chemistry, biology, and geology through geologic time). Students will read and discuss key research articles each week that complement lecture material. They will also work with both modern and paleo datasets to enhance their skills and deepen their understanding of how scientists infer past ocean conditions from geologic archives. ERS 401 and ERS 501 cannot both be taken for credit.

Prerequisites: Any 100 level ERS course.

Course Typically Offered: Spring, Odd Years

Credits: 3