Course focuses on the processes that shape the Earth's surface. Lectures discuss the development of landscapes in a wide variety of climatic and geologic settings, with an emphasis on understanding the process mechanics that create landforms and surficial deposits. Labs involve topographic map interpretation, geomorphic data analysis, and short field exercises. Course incorporates one weekend field trip that explores the landscapes of Cape Cod. Students also gain practical experience in geomorphic research by teaming up and completing a required lab- or field-based project. Lab.

Basic physical principles important in the land phase of the hydrologic cycle, including precipitation, snowmelt, infiltration and soil physics, evapotranspiration, and surface and subsurface flow to streams. Problems of measurement and aspects of statistical treatment of hydrologic data. Field trips. Lab.

Measurements of fundamental ocean processes and parameters. Emphasizes understanding typical coastal and estuarine measurements their applications, and the use of acquired data in terms of the effects on structures and processes in the ocean.

The chemical processes that determine the composition of aquatic systems such as rivers, lakes, groundwater and the ocean. The goal is to quantitatively understand the behavior of inorganic species such as carbon dioxide, nutrients, trace metals and inorganic pollutants in natural waters. Topics include, acid-based equilibria, carbonate chemistry, reduction-oxidation reactions, organic complexation and mineral precipitation and dissolution. Lab. Prereq: one year college chemistry or geochemistry or permission.