Earth System Science

Module code: CH4203

In this module, you'll look at planet Earth as a single physical system - the net result of interacting chemical, physical, biological and dynamical processes involving the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. You'll look at these processes, their inter-connectivity, and how they act together to determine the state of the Earth system.

You'll learn about the physical and chemical processes that control the composition of Earth's atmosphere, and their link to the other components of the Earth system. You'll compare, contrast and distinguish between the different physical and chemical processes that occur in the stratosphere and the troposphere. You'll explore concepts from gas kinetics, using these to calculate concentrations of atmospheric gases, their lifetimes, and sources and sink rates. You'll learn about how human activities can modify the atmospheric composition and affect the climate, and the societal issues resulting from this.