GEOL 523 - The Cryosphere

Description:
Components of the cryosphere (ice sheets, mountain glaciers, ice shelves, global snow cover, sea ice extent, and permafrost/frozen ground) will be examined, including anticipated changes in the cryosphere due to changing climate. GEOL 423 and GEOL 523 are layered courses; students may not receive credit for both.

Prerequisites:
Prerequisites: GEOL 501 and GEOL 502.

Credits: (5)

Learner Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: Describe the formation and structure of various components of the cryosphere. Describe techniques used to monitor variations in various components of the cryosphere. Assess which components of the cryosphere are most vulnerable to a warming climate, and the timescales over which the cryospheric component is vulnerable to change (weeks - months - centuries). Critically assess journal articles from the cryosphere primary literature. Evaluate how projected increases in temperature will affect a component of the cryosphere, and predict the societal and economic impacts of this change.
Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
1/9/2020

Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
Winter Locations: Ellensburg