DEPARTMENT OF EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE
3200 Croul Hall;
(949) 824-8794
Eric S. Saltzman, Chair
Faculty
Ralph J. Cicerone, Ph.D. University of Illinois, Chancellor Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Earth System Science (atmospheric and analytical chemistry)
Ellen R. M. Druffel, Ph.D. University of California, San Diego, Professor of Earth System Science and National Science Foundation "ADVANCE" Chair (biogeochemistry and oceanography)
James S. Famiglietti, Ph.D. Princeton University, Associate Professor of Earth System Science and of Civil and Environmental Engineering (hydrology and climate)
Michael L. Goulden, Ph.D. Stanford University, Associate Professor of Earth System Science and of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (biosphere-atmosphere exchange, physiological ecology)
Gudrun Magnusdottir, Ph.D. Colorado State University, Associate Professor of Earth System Science (atmospheric dynamics)
J. Keith Moore, Ph.D. Oregon State University, Assistant Professor of Earth System Science (ocean ecosystem dynamics and biogeochemistry)
Diane E. Pataki, Ph.D. Duke University, Assistant Professor of Earth System Science and of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (global change biology)
Michael Prather, Ph.D. Yale University, Professor of Earth System Science and Fred Kavli Chair in Earth System Science (mathematical modeling of atmospheric chemistry, and climate)
Francois W. Primeau, Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Assistant Professor of Earth System Science (physical oceanography and climate dynamics)
James T. Randerson, Ph.D. Stanford University, Associate Professor of Earth System Science (global biogeochemical cycles, biosphere-atmosphere trace gas exchange)
William S. Reeburgh, Ph.D. The Johns Hopkins University, Professor of Earth System Science (geochemistry and biogeochemistry)
Eric S. Saltzman, Ph.D. University of Miami, Department Chair and Professor of Earth System Science (marine and atmospheric chemistry)
Kathleen K. Treseder, Ph.D. Stanford University, Assistant Professor of Earth System Science and of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (microbial biogeochemistry)
Susan E. Trumbore, Ph.D. Columbia University, Professor of Earth System Science (geochemistry and biogeochemistry)
Laurel L. Wilkening, Ph.D. University of California, San Diego, Chancellor Emerita and Professor Emerita of Earth System Science (planetary science)
Jin-Yi Yu, Ph.D. University of Washington, Associate Professor of Earth System Science (atmospheric sciences and climate dynamics)
Charles S. Zender, Ph.D. University of Colorado, Associate Professor of Earth System Science (atmospheric physics, aerosols, and climate)
Affiliated Faculty
Donald R. Blake, Ph.D. University of California, Irvine, Professor of Chemistry and Earth System Science (atmospheric and analytical chemistry, and radiochemistry)
Carl A. Friehe, Ph.D. Stanford University, Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and of Earth System Science (fluid mechanics, turbulence, micrometeorology, instrumentation)
F. Sherwood Rowland, Ph.D. University of Chicago, Donald Bren Research Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and Earth System Science (atmospheric and analytical chemistry, and radiochemistry)
Soroosh Sorooshian, Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles, Director of the Center for Hydrometeorology and Remote Sensing (CHRS) and UCI Distinguished Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and of Earth System Science (hydrometeorology, remote sensing, water resources)
The goal of the Department of Earth System Science is to increase the scientific understanding of the Earth as a coupled system of atmosphere, ocean, and land. Earth System Science is inherently interdisciplinary in scope, linking the fields of oceanography, atmospheric and terrestrial sciences, climatology, hydrology, biology, physics, and chemistry to understand the climate system and global biogeochemical cycles. These fields have traditionally been taught in different departments, which has hindered students who want to learn about all of the disciplines that interact to control the global environment. At the undergraduate level, courses are designed to educate both science and non-science majors in the basic processes driving the Earth system, including elemental cycling, Earth's climate, and global environmental problems. Undergraduates can pursue a major in Earth and Environmental Sciences or a minor in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. The Department also offers a group of lower-division breadth courses appropriate for non-science majors. At the graduate level, the Department offers the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Earth System Science. Graduate study emphasizes laboratory, field, and modeling studies of global change in the environment through study of physical, chemical, and biological processes within and between the atmosphere, oceans, and terrestrial systems.
The objective of the major is to prepare students to understand the rapidly evolving field of Earth System Science. Students work with faculty and graduate students to obtain a quantitative understanding of the Earth system. Both the major and the minor consist of a set of required core courses and a group of elective courses drawn from offerings in Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Engineering, and Social Ecology. The core courses provide a broad scientific foundation of the physical, chemical, and biological principles needed to understand the complex interactions of the atmosphere, ocean, and land that drive the Earth's climate and biogeochemical cycles. Majors develop the analytical and quantitative skills needed to understand sensitive environmental issues.
In their junior and senior years, ESS students are encouraged to focus on a particular area within Earth System Science and to choose electives within ESS and campuswide that build a coherent core of knowledge. Focus areas include but are not limited to climatology, biogeochemical cycles, oceanography, hydrology, terrestrial sciences, atmospheric sciences, environmental policy and planning, and resource management. Alternatively, the focus could be on chemical, physical, or biological processes across these disciplines. This flexible program is designed to accommodate the particular interests of each student. Majors are encouraged to become directly involved in scientific research working with a faculty member by taking Earth System Science 199 for several quarters, typically in the senior year. The UCI upper-division writing requirement may be fulfilled by taking Earth System Science 199 and 198 in the senior year.
Many ESS students go on to graduate school programs and careers as research scientists in academic, public, or private institutions. Students are prepared to enter the workforce directly as scientists in a diverse array of fields including environmental policy and planning, environmental consulting, air quality monitoring and assessment, laboratory analysis, scientific research, science education, natural resource management, wildlife management, conservation and environmental protection, and water resource management.
The minor is open to all students (except Earth and Environmental Sciences majors), but it is primarily designed for students in the natural sciences and engineering who wish to explore interdisciplinary problems and broaden their studies to include the application of their fields to understanding the Earth system.
Admission to the Earth and Environmental Sciences Major
Students may be admitted to the Earth and Environmental Sciences major upon entering the University as freshmen, via change of major, and as transfer students from other colleges and universities. Information about change of major policies is available in the Physical Sciences Student Affairs Office and at http://www.due.uci. edu/Change_of_Major.html. For transfer student admission, preference will be given to junior-level applicants with the highest grades overall, and who have satisfactorily completed the following required courses: one year of calculus and one year of either general chemistry (with laboratory) or calculus-based physics (with laboratory).
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR'S DEGREE
University Requirements: See pages 59-64.
School Requirements: None.
Departmental Requirements
A. Earth System Science 25*, 51, 53, 55, 114, 116, 191; Mathematics 2A-B-J; Chemistry 1LB-LC, and either 1A-B-C or H2A-B-C; Physics 3A-B-C, 3LB-LC, or 7A-B-E, 7LA-LB;
* Other approved courses may be substituted for Earth System Science 25 by petition.
B. Seven electives from the following (at least four must be Earth System Science courses): all four-unit Earth System Science courses except 114 and 116 (199 may count only once toward the elective requirement); Chemistry 51A and 51LA, 51B and 51LB, 51C, H52A and H52LA, H52B and H52LB, H52C, 130A, 130B, 130C,131A, 131B, 131C; Physics 51A, 51B, 115A, 120, 134A, 134B, 137, 144, 145; Mathematics 3A or 6C, 2D, 3D, 105A, 112A, 115, 131A, 131B, 131C; Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) 91, 130A, 164, 180, 185; Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) 132, 156, 162, 166, 171, 172, 174, 176, 178; Biological Sciences 93, 94, 98, D105, D134, E106, E167, E178, E179, E179L, E181, E186, E189, M133; Environmental Analysis and Design E105U, E110, E132U, E145U, E155U, E160, E160L, E161, E165L, E168, E173; Criminology, Law and Society C148; Computing Skills (one of the following may be counted toward degree): Information and Computer Science 21, Engineering EECS10, Engineering MAE 10, Physics 53, or other approved programming course.
MINOR IN EARTH AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES
NOTE: All of these courses have prerequisites. Students pursuing the minor should plan to fulfill all prerequisites prior to enrolling in these courses.
Requirements for the Minor
Earth System Science 51, 53, 55, plus four electives chosen from the above approved elective list for majors, at least two of which must be Earth System Science courses.
Applicants to the Earth System Science Ph.D. program should have a broad quantitative scientific background, with an undergraduate degree in natural science or related fields such as applied mathematics and engineering. Undergraduate preparation should involve mathematics including differential equations, a year-long sequence of physics and of chemistry, and courses in general biology, ecology, or geology. Entering graduate students plan their courses and research with the help of the Earth System Science Advisory Committee of academic and research faculty. Students are admitted to the Ph.D. program only; the Master's degree is awarded upon progress to the Ph.D.
To complete the course requirements for the Ph.D. program, a minimum of 10 approved graduate-level courses, including the core curriculum, must be completed with an average grade of B or better. All courses must be approved by the student's Advisory Committee. The core curriculum consists of Earth System Science 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 218, and 298. These courses are described below. Students are also expected to participate in the Earth System Science seminar. Additionally, Ph.D. students are required to complete a teaching assistant training program and to have a minimum of two quarters of experience as a teaching assistant, provided opportunities are available.
Academic Senate regulations specify a minimum period of residence of six quarters for Ph.D. candidates. Enrollment in a minimum of 12 units of graduate/upper-division course work per quarter is required. Registration in every regular academic session is necessary until all requirements for the degree have been completed, unless a formal Leave of Absence is granted by the Office of Graduate Studies. All Ph.D. requirements must be completed within 15 quarters in residence (five years), excluding summer quarters. Exceptions must be put to a vote of the Earth System Science faculty. The maximum time permitted is seven years.
A single departmental Qualifying Examination for all eligible Earth System Science students is administered during the fall quarter. This examination determines the student's readiness to begin research for the dissertation and should be taken following completion of the core course work and summer research, during the fall quarter of the second year. The Qualifying Examination consists of both written and oral parts. The written portion of the examination emphasizes breadth, general knowledge, and the ability to integrate and use information covered in the core curriculum and other course work. The oral examination provides an opportunity to clarify questions arising from the student's performance on the written examination.
Following completion of the Qualifying Examination, those students who receive a recommendation to continue Ph.D. work will pursue research on a potential dissertation topic and then take the Advancement to Candidacy Examination. This oral examination is given by a faculty committee, including extra-departmental faculty. Concurrent with this examination, the Ph.D. candidates present a research seminar to the entire Earth System Science Department outlining their proposed dissertation work. The normal time for advancement to candidacy is three years.
A dissertation based on original research and demonstrating critical judgment, intellectual synthesis, creativity, and clarity in written communication is required for the Ph.D. degree. The dissertation must summarize the results of original research performed by the student under the supervision of a faculty member of the Department. The criterion of acceptability of a dissertation is that its contents be judged by the committee as suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal of high editorial standards. The dissertation may be a compilation of published papers or manuscripts accepted for publication, so long as a major proportion of the material has been produced independently by the candidate. The format and content are approved by the Dissertation Committee, and University requirements for style, format, and appearance are met.
The Master's degree is awarded only to students admitted to the Ph.D. program who have completed a total of 10 courses, met the three-quarter residency requirement, and completed the Qualifying Examination.
A summary of the requirements follows.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE
1. Completion of course work (10 courses, including core courses)
2. Six quarters in residence at UCI
3. Completion of the teaching and seminar requirements
4. Completion of the Qualifying Examination, with recommendation to continue for the Ph.D.
5. Pass the Advancement to Candidacy Examination
6. Presentation of an open research seminar
7. Submission of an acceptable doctoral dissertation and formal defense
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE
1. Completion of course work (10 courses, including core courses)
2. Three quarters in residence at UCI
3. Completion of the teaching and seminar requirements
4. Completion of the Qualifying Examination
Courses in Earth System Science
Lower-division undergraduate course offerings emphasize an understanding of the basic science involved in global change of the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and biosphere and soils. Any three courses selected from Earth System Science 1, 3, 5, 7, 11, 15, Physics 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 21, and Engineering E5 will satisfy the natural sciences breadth requirement. Lower-division Earth System Science courses also are core or elective courses in the interdisciplinary minor in Global Sustainability; see the Interdisciplinary Studies section of this Catalogue for information.
Upper-division courses are particularly appropriate as electives for students majoring in the physical or biological sciences, or engineering, with an interest in applying physics, chemistry, and biology to study the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, biosphere, and climate.
LOWER-DIVISION
1 The Physical Environment (4) F. Covers the origin and evolution of the Earth, its atmosphere, and oceans, from the perspective of biogeochemical cycles, energy use, and human impacts on the Earth system. (II)
3 Oceanography (4) S. Examines circulation of the world oceans and ocean chemistry as it relates to river, hydrothermal vent, and atmospheric inputs. Geological features, the wide variety of biological organisms, and global climate changes, such as greenhouse warming, are also studied. (II)
5 The Atmosphere (4) W. The composition and circulation of the atmosphere with a focus on explaining the fundamentals of weather and climate. Topics include solar and terrestrial radiation, clouds, and weather patterns. (II)
7 Geology (4) W. Basic geologic principles; teaches students how to interpret earth history from landforms and the rock record, understand volcano and earthquake risks, and recognize the distribution of resources. The geologic time scale, fossil record, and major events in earth history are explored. (II)
9 The Biosphere (4) W. An introduction to the role of biological processes in the Earth system. Topics span the functioning of cells, organisms, ecosystems, and the global biosphere, including an introduction to evolution, terrestrial and marine organismal biology, and principles of ecology and biogeochemistry. Same as Biological Sciences 9M. (II)
11 Climate Change and Policy (4). Develops an understanding of the physical basis behind global climate change; examines how human activities cause it, looks to future rates and impacts of global warming, and reviews the international conventions, protocols, and scientific assessments of climate change. (II)
13 Global-Change Biology (4) W. Addresses ways in which humans are altering the global environment, with consequences for the ecology of animals, plants, and microbes. Discussion on how these biologically oriented questions relate to human society, politics, and the economy. Same as Biological Sciences 9K. (II)
15 Atmospheric Pollution, Ozone, and Climate (4) S. Air pollution occurs on global, continental, and urban scales. We pollute the atmosphere in different ways. Its consequences on the quality of the air we breathe, health of our ecosystems, ozone layer depletion, and changes in our climate are studied. (II)
25 Introduction to Earth and Environmental Sciences (4) F. Covers the origin and evolution of the Earth, its atmosphere, and oceans, from the perspective of biogeochemical cycles, and human impacts. Corequisite: Mathematics 2A or consent of instructor. Open only to Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Engineering majors.
51 Land Interactions (4) F. The role of terrestrial processes in the Earth system. Provides an introduction to ecosystem processes that regulate the cycling of energy, water, carbon, and nutrients. Analysis of the impact of human activities. Corequisites: Mathematics 2B and Physics 3A or 7A. Prerequisite: Chemistry 1C.
53 Ocean Biogeochemistry (4) W. Overview of oceanography for those interested in Earth system science. Focus is on physical, chemical, and biological processes that drive biogeochemical cycling in the oceans. Coastal systems also reviewed, with emphasis on California waters. Corequisite: Mathematics 2B, Physics 3B or 7B. Prerequisite: Chemistry 1C.
55 Earth's Atmosphere (4) S. Composition, physics, and circulation of Earth's atmosphere with an emphasis on explaining the role of atmospheric processes in shaping the climate system. Topics include: atmospheric composition, the global energy balance, radiative transfer and climate, atmospheric circulation and climate sensitivity. Corequisite: Mathematics 2B; Physics 3B or 7B.
H90 The Idiom and Practice of Science (4). A series of fundamental and applied scientific problems are addressed, illustrating the pervasive role of mathematical analysis. Topics may include energy utilization, the climate system, the "greenhouse effect," ozone depletion and air pollution, ecological consequences of water pollution, nutrient cycles. Open only to members of the Campuswide Honors Program or consent of instructor. (II)
UPPER-DIVISION
112 Global Climate Change and Impacts (4) F. Observations over the twentieth century show extensive changes in atmospheric composition, climate and weather, and biological systems that have paralleled industrial growth. Evidence of globally driven changes in these biogeochemical systems is studied, including projected impacts over the twenty-first century. Prerequisites: Earth System Science 51, 53, and 55.
114 Earth System Science Laboratory and Field Methods (4) S. Introduction to methods used to measure exchange of gases and energy between the atmosphere and terrestrial ecosystems. Laboratories include data acquisition and isotopic and chromatographic analysis. Field measurements at UCI's Marsh Reserve include microclimate, hydrology, trace-gas exchange, and plant growth.
116 Data Analysis for Earth Sciences (4) F. Analysis and interpretation of geophysical data, including functional fitting, probability density functions, and multidimensional time-series methods, with applications in atmospheric, oceanic, and biogeochemical sciences.
122 Atmospheric Dynamics (4) W. Fluid dynamical processes that determine the large-scale flow of the atmosphere and ocean. Most important are interactions between the density stratification and the Coriolis force associated with Earth's rotation. Topics include circulation, vorticity, planetary waves and their role in climate. Prerequisites: Mathematics 2D, Physics 7A-B-E, or consent of instructor.
124 Weather and Meteorology (4) W. Provides an overview of weather systems in midlatitudes and tropics. The fundamental dynamics possible for these weather systems are described. Elementary weather analysis and forecasting techniques are introduced. Prerequisite: Earth System Science 55.
126 Engineering Meteorology (4) W. Fundamentals and aspects of atmospheric sciences important to engineering and environmental problems. Basic physics and thermodynamics of the atmosphere; dispersion of pollutants. A design problem is included. Prerequisites: Engineering MAE91 or CBEMS40B; MAE130A or CEE170 or CBEMS120A or consent of instructor. Same as Engineering MAE162.
130 Physical Oceanography (4) W. Physical processes that determine the distribution of water properties such as salt and temperature. Fluid-dynamical underpinnings of physical oceanography. Wave motions. The wind-driven and thermohaline circulation. Similarities and differences between ocean and atmosphere dynamics. Prerequisites: Mathematics 2D and Physics 7A-B-E, or consent of instructor.
132 Terrestrial Hydrology (4) S. Comprehensive treatment of modern conceptual and methodological approaches to hydrological science. Combines qualitative understanding of hydrological processes with quantitative representation, approaches to measurement, and treatment of uncertainty. Major components of the hydrological cycle and their linkages within the coupled Earth system. Prerequisites: Mathematics 2D and Physics 7A-D-E or equivalent or consent of instructor. Concurrent with Earth System Science 232.
134 Fundamentals of GIS for Environmental Sciences (4). Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Topics include fundamentals of cartography, creating/editing GIS data, linking spatial and tabular data, georeferencing, map projections, geospatial analysis, spatial statistics and the development of GIS models. Examples from hydrology, ecology, and geology. Prerequisite: Earth System Science 51, 53, or 55, or consent of instructor.
138 Satellite Remote Sensing for Earth System Science (4) S. Satellite remote sensing data are increasingly used to study the Earth system. Provides an overview of the principles behind remote sensing, and the types of satellite data available for study of the oceans, land, and atmosphere. Prerequisite: Earth System Science 51, 53, or 55; or consent of instructor.
142 Atmospheric Chemistry (4) S. Chemistry of the troposphere and stratosphere. Topics include: processes controlling the lifetime and reaction pathways of chemicals in the atmosphere, the role of the atmosphere in biogeochemical cycles, and interactions between atmospheric chemistry and the physical climate system. Prerequisites: Chemistry 1A-B-C.
144 Marine Geochemistry and Biogeochemistry (4) S. Processes controlling the major and minor element composition of seawater and element distributions in the ocean. Gas exchange, carbon dioxide system, stable isotopes, radionuclides as tracers and chronometers, particle fluxes, organic geochemistry, sediment geochemistry, global cycles of biogeochemically important elements.
164 Terrestrial Ecosystems (4) F, W, S. A mechanistic perspective of the structure and functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Includes the mechanisms that control plant growth, hydrology and nutrient cycling, and the roles terrestrial ecosystems play in local and global biogeochemistry. Prerequisite: Biological Sciences E106 or consent of instructor. Same as Biological Sciences E118 and Environmental Analysis and Design E167.
166 The Earth Surface Processes (4) S. Physical character of land surfaces. Land surface processes and global change. Tectonic deformation, gravity, fluid flow, climate, and insolation. Landforms, deformation, watershed evolution, weathering, sediment production, transport, deposition, and coastal zone evolution. Includes field expeditions. Prerequisite: Mathematics 2B or consent of instructor.
168 Physiological Plant Ecology (4) F. An examination of the interactions between plants and their environment. Emphasis on the underlying physiological mechanisms of plant function, adaptations and responses to stress, and the basis of the distribution of plants and plant assemblages across the landscape. Prerequisite: Biological Sciences E106 or consent of instructor. Same as Biological Sciences E127.
190A-B Senior Seminar on Global Sustainability I, II (2-2) F, W. Students attend weekly seminar to discuss current issues in global sustainability. Weekly attendance at Global Sustainability Forum also is required. Seminar utilized to analyze forum presentations. A: Prepare bibliography. B: Prepare research proposal. In-progress grading for 190A-B, grade for sequence given upon completion of 190C. Prerequisites: senior standing, Biological Sciences 65, Environmental Analysis and Design E20, and Earth System Science 10. Same as Biological Sciences 191A-B and Social Ecology 186A-B.
190C Writing/Senior Seminar on Global Sustainability III (4) S. Students attend weekly seminar to discuss current issues in global sustainability. Weekly attendance at Global Sustainability Forum also is required. Seminar utilized to analyze forum presentations and to prepare senior research paper. Prepare/write research paper under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisites: Earth System Science 190A-B and satisfaction of the lower-division writing requirement. Same as Biological Sciences 191C and Social Ecology 186C.
191 Introduction to Research in Earth System Science (1) F. A series of weekly presentations by Earth System Science faculty describing ongoing research in their laboratories. The goals are to introduce students to the range of research topics and methods in Earth System Science and to the research opportunities available within the Department. Prerequisite: upper-division standing or consent of instructor; limited to majors in Earth and Environmental Sciences or minors in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.
198 Senior Thesis in Earth System Science (2) S. Students receive guidance on the effective oral and written communication of research results. Students prepare and present a seminar, a poster, and a written thesis describing their research in Earth System Science. Prerequisites: successful completion of two quarters of Earth System Science 199 or comparable research experience with consent of instructor; successful completion of the lower-division writing requirement. Intended for seniors majoring in Earth and Environmental Sciences.
199 Undergraduate Research (2 to 4) F, W, S. For junior and senior undergraduates, preferably with majors in science or engineering. Interested students should arrange with a member of the Earth System Science faculty to supervise and support a research project. A written summary is required at the end of each quarter. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
GRADUATE
200A Earth System Climatology (2) F. Includes evolution of Earth, atmosphere/ocean circulation, and land and ocean geography. Prerequisites: Mathematics 2D; Physics 3C or 7E or equivalent, or consent of instructor. Formerly Earth System Science 200.
200B Earth System Physics (2) F. Physical processes which mediate the transformation of energy and momentum in the climate system. Topics include hydrostatics, radiation, and climate forcing and feedbacks. Prerequisites: Mathematics 2D; Physics 3C or 7E or equivalent, or consent of instructor. Formerly Earth System Science 200.
202 Terrestrial and Ocean Biogeochemistry (4) F. Biogeochemical processes which mediate the transformation of carbon, nitrogen, and other biogeochemically important elements on land and in the ocean. Topics include chemistry of soils and seawater, nutrient limitation, cycling of dissolved and particulate organic matter, and isotopes.
204 Global Hydrology and the Planetary Boundary Layer (4) F. Global hydrologic cycle and its interactions within the Earth's climate system. Precipitation, clouds and radiation, water vapor, sea surface fluxes, terrestrial hydrology. Planetary boundary layer. Surface energy and radiation budgets; temperature, humidity, and wind profiles; turbulence, neutral boundary layers, similarity theory.
206 Atmospheric and Oceanic Dynamics (4) W. Introduces the student to atmospheric and oceanic fluid dynamics. Equations of motion for a rotating stratified fluid. Scaling analysis, potential vorticity dynamics, linear waves, energetics and instability theory with applications to the mean circulation and variability.
208A Atmospheric Chemistry (2) W. Chemistry of the atmosphere. Topics include: tropospheric photochemistry; the tropospheric ozone budget; stratospheric chemistry and the ozone hole. Formerly Earth System Science 208. Earth System Science 208A and 242 may not both be taken for credit.
208B Global Biogeochemical Cycles (2) W. Global biogeochemical cycling of the elements. Topics include: global cycling of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur; impact of human activities on biogeochemical processes. Formerly Earth System Science 208. Earth System Science 208B and 242 may not both be taken for credit.
210 Geoscience Data Analysis and Modeling (4) F. Teaches basic numerical and statistical techniques needed to solve or analyze Earth system models/ data, computational approaches and accuracy, plus hands-on experience with computers. Focuses on probabilistic time-series models and deterministic models based on linear and non-linear differential equations.
212 Earth System Change (4) S. Explores past, present, and projected changes in the Earth system: atmospheric composition, ocean circulation, climate and weather, and the biosphere. Begins with paleo-record, lessons from past climate change. Ends with currently observed global warming, related changes, projections of our future.
218 Terrestrial and Marine Ecology (4) S. A mechanistic perspective of the structure and functioning of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Includes the processes that control plant growth and community structure, nutrient cycling, and role of ecosystem dynamics in local and global biogeochemical cycling.
222 Atmospheric Dynamics (4) W. Fluid dynamical processes that determine the large-scale flow of the atmosphere and ocean. Most important are interactions between the density stratification and the Coriolis force associated with Earth's rotation. Topics include circulation, vorticity, planetary waves and their role in climate. Formerly Earth System Science 212.
230 Physical Oceanography (4) S. Physical processes that determine the distribution of water properties such as salt and temperature. Fluid-dynamical underpinnings of physical oceanography. Wave motions. The wind-driven and thermohaline circulation. Similarities and differences between ocean and atmosphere dynamics. Prerequisites: Mathematics 2D and Physics 7A-B-E, or consent of instructor.
232 Terrestrial Hydrology (4) S. Comprehensive treatment of modern conceptual and methodological approaches to hydrological science. Combines qualitative understanding of hydrological processes with quantitative representation, approaches to measurement, and treatment of uncertainty. Major components of the hydrological cycle and their linkages within the coupled Earth system. Prerequisites: Mathematics 2D and Physics 7A-D-E or equivalent or consent of instructor. Concurrent with Earth System Science 132.
236 Radiative Processes and Remote Sensing (4) F. Solar and terrestrial radiation and Earth system interaction. Radiative transfer theory. Principles, applications of remote sensing of environment. Planck's law, radiative transfer equation, radiative properties of trace gasses and aerosols, remote sensing techniques, global trends in radiative forcing. Prerequisites: Mathematics 2D and Physics 7A-B-D, or equivalent.
238 Analysis of Hydrologic Systems (3) F. Application of systems theory in hydrologic, land surface, and biogeochemical modeling. Design, identification, and calibration of conceptual models. Principles of dynamic systems and modeling approaches, theory of linear systems and mathematical concepts of differential calculus, theoretical concepts of parameter estimation and optimization theory. Same as Civil and Environmental Engineering CEE289.
242 Atmospheric Chemistry (4) S. Chemistry of the troposphere and stratosphere. Topics include: processes controlling the lifetime and reaction pathways of chemicals in the atmosphere, the role of the atmosphere in biogeochemical cycles, and interactions between atmospheric chemistry and the physical climate system. Prerequisites: Chemistry 1A-B-C. Formerly Earth System Science 202. Earth System Science 242 and 208A and/or 208B may not both be taken for credit.
246 Isotope Geochemistry (4) S. Principles of isotope geochemistry with an emphasis on applications in biogeochemistry. Covers basic theory and experimental investigations of natural variations in stable and radioactive isotopes and isotope fractionation by kinetic processes, isotope exchange reactions, and diffusional processes.
260 Global Biological Change (4) F. Lecture, two hours; field work, one hour. An investigation of the mechanisms that underlie responses of organisms to human-caused environmental changes. Activities include field trips, literature discussions, and lectures. Focuses on issues of interest in Southern California, including nitrogen deposition, invasions, and habitat fragmentation. Same as Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 225.
280 Special Topics in Earth System Science (4). Each quarter is devoted to current topics in the field of Earth System Science. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Prerequisite: Earth System Science 200 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
282A-B-C Topics in Climate (4-4-4). Each quarter is devoted to in-depth analysis of an important and rapidly developing area in the field of climate dynamics. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Formerly Earth System Science 233A-B-C.
286A-B-C Topics in Biogeochemistry (4-4-4). Each quarter is devoted to in-depth analysis of a subarea in biogeochemistry which is undergoing rapid development. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Formerly Earth System Science 231A-B-C.
288 Special Topics in Ecosystems (4) F, W, S. Each quarter is devoted to current topics relating to Ecosystems. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Prerequisites: Earth System Science 200 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
290 Seminar (1) F, W, S. Weekly seminars and discussions on topics of general and current interest in Earth System Science. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Prerequisite: graduate standing. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
291 Research Seminar (1 to 4) F, W, S. Detailed discussions of ongoing research in Earth System Science. Format, content, and frequency of the course are variable. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
298 Practicum in Earth System Science (4) W. For first-year graduates. Students explore research opportunities and develop a proposal for a summer research project under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
299 Research (2 to 12) F, W, S. Supervised original research in areas of Earth System Science. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. Formerly Earth System Science 280.
399 University Teaching (1 to 4) F, W, S. Required of and limited to teaching assistants. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. May be repeated for credit.
