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

• describe the general dynamic principles within the atmo-, bio-, cryo-, hydro-, and lithospheres
• identify the general relations and couplings between the atmo-, bio-, cryo-, hydro-, and lithospheres and describe how energy transfer between these different spheres creates a dynamic geosphere
• illustrate the interplay and resonance between the components of the geosystem and their weight in forcing global changes at various time scales
• describe the full meaning of global changes as an effect of a dynamical geosystem
• explain the principal coupling between the biosphere and the other parts in the geosphere during the geological timescale
• summarise the current open questions within earth science systems and the current state of knowledge on 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 Plate tectonical 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. Last case unit week is dedicated to the Biosphere and its evolution through the interplay of the other spheres. One week is reserved to link the processes between the different systems and also, how the energy flow is linked between them. During the last week, individual work is to be reported and presented. The week ends with the final examination.

Instruction

Lectures, practicals and seminars.

Assessment

Participation in practicals and in seminars is obligatory. Written examination (10 ECTS) is given at the end of the course. Written essays and oral presentations (5 ECTS) are a part of the examination.