GEOG 4640 CRITICAL ZONE SCIENCE (4 credits)
This course examines the Critical Zone (CZ), Earth's permeable layer that extends from the top of vegetation to the bottom of groundwater. The CZ is a constantly evolving layer where rock, soil, water, air, and living organisms interact to regulate the landscape and natural habitats; it also determines the availability of life-sustaining resources, including our food production and water quality. CZ science is an interdisciplinary and international endeavor focused on cross-disciplinary science. In this course, we will focus on using data available from the existing National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded CZ Observatories (CZOs) along with readings, discussions and activities to explore interactions within the CZ. (Cross-listed with GEOG 8646, GEOL 4640)
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: GEOL 1170, GEOL 1010, GEOG 1030 or GEOG 1050; one chemistry or physics course recommended; or instructor permission.