Entry requirements

120 ECTS credits with minimum 90 ECTS credits in Earth Science or Biology alternatively Physics with 30 ECTS credits in Earth Science (Geophysics).

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student hould be able to

• bring comprehension of the general dynamic principles within the atmo-, bio-, cryo-, hydro-, and lithospheres
• increase the understanding of the general couplings and energy transfers between the atmo-, bio-, cryo-, hydro-, and lithospheres
• gain knowledge of the interplay and resonance between the components of the geosystem and their weight in forcing global changes at various time scales
• accelerate the comprehension of the full meaning of global changes as an effect of a dynamical geosystem
• illustrate the principal coupling between the biosphere and the other parts in the geosphere during the geological timescale
• bring a knowledge about the actual topics within earth science systems and global change.

Content

An introduction to the basic physical processes in the Earth system. Discussion of how processes and changes in the Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere and Biosphere are interlinked through different energy transfer mechanisms, using several case studies. The first weeks will be an introduction to the basics of the relevant processes in the Earth system and the evolution of the Biosphere, including a rudimentary overview of the Planetary and the wider Astronomical systems. The following weeks will be specially designed case units covering changes in the specific spheres at different time scales. First case unit will consist of changes on the Continental and Wilson cycle time scale 10-1000 Myrs. Second case unit will consist of changes on the Ice Age and Milhankovitch time scale 10-1000 kyrs. Third case unit will consist of changes on the Human industrialisation and Meteorological series time scale 10-1000 yrs.

Instruction

Lectures, practicals and seminars.

Assessment

Participation in practicals and in seminars is obligatory. Written examination (7 ECTS) is given in the end of the course. Written essay's and oral presentations (3 ECTS) are a part of the examination.