Earth Science (EAS)

EAS-120. Introduction to Earth Science. (4 Credits)

An introductory course to acquaint students with the physical environment. Topics include an examination of the earth's composition; plate tectonics, structure and land forms; the atmosphere and major elements and controls of weather in their relationship to climatic characteristics and distributions; the physical characteristics of ocean water, movements and the ocean floor; and the characteristics of the solar system and outer space. This course is particularly suited for students not majoring in the sciences. This course includes a one-hour laboratory component. Fee is required. (6 contact hours)

EAS-125. Introduction to Weather and Climate. (4 Credits)

This course is an elementary treatment of the processes that produce our weather and climate. Covers the elements of weather and climate (temperature, moisture, pressure, and winds); causes for day-to-day weather changes; and the nature of violent storms such as tornadoes and hurricanes. Climatic regions will be investigated in terms of physical characteristics, locations and associated human activity. This course includes a one-hour laboratory component. Fee is required. (6 contact hours)

EAS-130. Severe and Hazardous Weather. (4 Credits)

This course examines hazardous weather patterns and severe weather phenomena while emphasizing the fundamental concepts and processes in meteorology. The internal structure and atmospheric dynamics of extra-tropical and tropical cyclones will be examined as well as smaller scale atmospheric events such as thunderstorm propagation along squall lines, microbursts, and development of tornadoes. There will be special focus on the environmental, economic, and societal impacts of long-term weather patterns such as heat waves and drought. Several of the topics will be investigated by scrutinizing case studies of disastrous weather events that have occurred throughout history. This course includes a one-hour laboratory component. Fee is required. (6 contact hours)

EAS-135. Severe and Hazardous Weather. (3 Credits)

This course examines hazardous weather patterns and severe weather phenomena during both warm and cold seasons while emphasizing the fundamental concepts and processes in meteorology. The internal structure and atmospheric dynamics of larger scale extra-tropical cyclones will be examined as well as smaller scale atmospheric events such as thunderstorm propagation along squall lines, microbursts, tornado development, blizzards, ice storm, and heat and cold waves among many other potentially hazardous weather events. An examination of tropical weather such as hurricanes and tropical storms and their impact on our coastlines will also be part of this course. Several topics will be investigated by scrutinizing case studies of disastrous weather events that have occurred throughout history. There will be a special focus on the environmental, economic, and social impacts of these events. (3 c.