GEOS 325 - Paleoclimate

FC NSMA

4 credits
Earth’s climate is not constant through time, and its changes have important implications for life on our planet. What controls Earth’s climate on different timescales? How do we know about past climate change? This course will include an introduction to techniques used in the field of paleoclimatology as well as a tour through paleo records of significant climate events. Topics include common paleoclimate proxies and records, climate change in Earth’s history, and a discussion of how paleoclimate reconstructions can be used to gain a new perspective on modern climate change. Classes will include lectures, discussion of scientific articles, and interpretations of paleo data. Field trip(s) required.

Prerequisites: Any one of the following: GEOS 201, GEOS 204, GEOS 206, GEOS 210, or GEOS 212.