An in-depth look at a significant aspect of the Earth system. The "critical zone" -- defined as the outer layer reaching from the treetops into the weathered bedrock where rock, water, air and life interact -- is crucial to life and habitats, food production, water quality, and regulating climate. Topics will vary depending on instructor expertise, who may focus on biosphere-atmosphere interactions, or microbiologically driven cycling of energy and matter in the subsurface. Emphasis will be placed on approaches to quantitatively model interactions and reading of primary scientific literature.
An in-depth look at a significant aspect of the Earth system. The "critical zone" -- defined as the outer layer reaching from the treetops into the weathered bedrock where rock, water, air and life interact -- is crucial to life and habitats, food production, water quality, and regulating climate. Topics will vary depending on instructor expertise, who may focus on biosphere-atmosphere interactions, or microbiologically driven cycling of energy and matter in the subsurface. Emphasis will be placed on approaches to quantitatively model interactions and reading of primary scientific literature.
