Global Biogeochemical Cycles

Biology, geology and chemistry are intricately linked to form the world around us. Biogeochemical cycles set the stage for life on Earth. This course explores the carbon, nitrogen, water, phosphorus, and sulfur cycles at the surface of the Earth. We investigate how biological (e.g., primary production, respiration), anthropogenic (e.g., urbanization, pollution) and geological processes (e.g., tectonics, rock weathering) influence these chemical cycles and in turn how these cycles influence the climate and the oceans. Field studies focus on tropical marine biogeochemistry of coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, lagoons and estuaries. Course includes a required week-long field trip to a remote field station in Panama. There are additional costs associated with field trip expenses. All students must meet basic term abroad requirements and submit an application. This course is open to all students, but preference will be given to those with a declared major in geosciences, environmental science, chemistry or biology.