EGS2013F - The Physical Environment

Course Outline:

The course focuses on contemporary Atmosphere-Earth surface interactions, in particular the role of precipitation and water from a global to a regional scale and examines temporal dynamics, driven by natural process as well as anthropogenic pressures. It covers in detail global circulation patterns, climate variability, soil formation, an overview of regional plant biomes, polar response to climate change, tropical deforestation, and desertification and earth observation technology. It concludes with a detailed study of local scale systems and applications covering stream catchments, estuaries, wetlands and coastlines. It is expected that students will enhance their understanding of Earth system dynamics, systems interactions and develop an appreciation for scales both temporal and spatial. Students are also expected to put the local context into a regional setting and make linkages to the larger global picture.