Revised 8/2023

GEO 200 - Introduction to Physical Geography (3 CR.)

Course Description

Examines the global patterns and processes of the atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. Explores Earth’s physical systems and the interrelationships among them through studying Earth-Sun geometry, climate and weather phenomena, landforms, biomes, and environmental change. Lecture 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

This course emphasizes scientific inquiry and the scientific method in the study of Earth’s natural systems. The course presents a survey of foundational knowledge essential for understanding Earth systems and human-environment relations.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

None.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

Critical Thinking

• Analyze the interrelationships among Earth systems

Quantitative Literacy

• Read and interpret maps, climographs, and cross-sections
• Construct representations of spatial data such as cross-sections or surface data charts
• Interpret data and construct explanatory hypotheses

Civic Engagement

• Evaluate impacts of human activity on the environment

Written Communication

• Conduct analysis through written and/or oral communication

Scientific Literacy

• Describe the scientific methods that lead to scientific knowledge
• Demonstrate empirical thinking to explain the physical science basis for theories such as plate tectonics, global energy balance, and global climate change

Major Topics to Be Included

• The Science of Physical Geography
  • Some learning outcomes that could satisfy this topic include:
    • Describe the steps of the Scientific Method and apply to real-world problems
    • Explain Earth Systems Theory and apply to real-world processes.
    • Use geographic tools to identify specific locations on Earth.
    • Read and interpret various types of maps.
    • Describe and explain various geospatial technologies and their uses.
• The Lithosphere
  • Some learning outcomes that could satisfy this topic include:
    • Diagram and explain the rock cycle.
    • Label significant time periods and events in Geologic Time.
    • Employ the theory of plate tectonics to describe the spatial distribution of volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis.
    • Define and explain different types of weathering on various rock types.
    • Describe classes of mass movement processes and explain precursors to events.
    • Identify and classify landforms according to the main geomorphic agent (wind, ice, water).
    • Classify soil types and describe their geographic distribution.
• The Hydrosphere
  • Some learning outcomes that could satisfy this topic include:
    • Diagram or explain the hydrologic cycle model and describe transfer processes and storage locations of water.
    • Describe the spatial distribution of surface water and groundwater.
    • Summarize and explain impacts of human activity related to water resource management (such as dam construction or removal, groundwater mining).
    • Classify and describe the origin and evolution of coastal, glacial, and fluvial landforms.
• The Atmosphere
  • Describe the atmosphere in terms of composition, temperature and function.
    • Describe the significance of the ozone layer and the Montreal Protocol.
    • Employ Earth-Sun geometry to explain the changing seasons and day length at different latitudes.
    • Describe Earth's energy balance.
    • Define the greenhouse effect and distinguish from the phenomenon of global climate change.
    • Identify factors that influence air pressure and describe how changes in air pressure generate winds.
    • Construct or label diagrams to model global circulations of oceans and winds.
    • Describe the significance of latent heat in atmospheric processes and human comfort.
    • Identify forms of atmospheric moisture; describe adiabatic processes and connect to atmospheric stability.
    • Label or interpret weather maps.
    • Compare and contrast midlatitude and tropical cyclones in their formation, structure, and impacts on humans.
• Climate Change
  • Some learning outcomes that could satisfy this topic include:
    • Identify lines of evidence in paleoclimatology that have allowed scientists to reconstruct past climate patterns.
    • Describe evidence for and causes of current climate change.
    • Discuss individual and collective strategies to address climate change.
• Biosphere
  • Some learning outcomes that could satisfy this topic include:
    • Label or compare maps of climate regions and biomes.
    • Describe characteristics of climate regions and biomes.
    • Describe major biogeochemical cycles.