ES 113 - NPS Earth in Space: Evolution of a Planet

4.00 credits.

(Natural and Physical Science Core Course)
A broad introduction to Earth System Science that integrates basic topics in geology and astronomy as a means to understand the origin and evolution of planet Earth. Dramatic events and processes that shaped Earth’s history, such as big bang cosmology, stellar evolution, planetary formation, plate tectonics, the rock cycle, crustal deformation and mountain building, the evolution of continents and ocean basins, earthquakes and volcanism are explored. Includes discovery-oriented exercises, including field trips to local geological sites, the local planetarium and several stargazing sessions for firsthand study of materials containing evidence for the processes and events studied in class. *Corequisite(s): ES 113L. Hours: lecture 3, laboratory 2. Fall semester.