GEO 305 - Global Biogeochemical Cycles

Course Units: 1.0

Biology, geology and chemistry are intricately linked to form the world around us. Biogeochemical cycles set the stage for life on Earth. This course explores the carbon, nitrogen, water, phosphorus, and sulfur cycles in the critical zone and oceans. The critical zone is the terrestrial layer that extends from the bedrock to the top of vegetation, and this course continues into estuaries and the open ocean. We investigate how biological (e.g., primary production, respiration), anthropogenic (e.g., urbanization, pollution) and geological processes (e.g., tectonics, rock weathering) influence the critical zone and oceans, and in turn how these cycles influence life and climate. Field studies focus on tropical marine biogeochemistry of coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, lagoons and estuaries. Course includes a required week-long field trip to a remote field station in Panama. There are additional costs associated with field trip expenses, but students can apply for travel assistance. All students must meet basic term abroad requirements and submit an application. This course is open to all students, but preference will be given to those with a declared major in geosciences, environmental science, chemistry, or biology. Cross-Listed: BIO 235 Corequisite(s): GEO 305L Prereq/Corequisite(s): Take a course from either BIO, CHM, GEO or ENS 100 . CC: WAC, WAC-R ISP: ENS