Daniel Sigman Teaching
Fall 2011
GEO 102A: Climate: Past, Present, and Future
An introduction to the processes and conditions that control Earth's climate; an overview of past climate evolution from the time of Earth's origin to the period of human history; and an investigation of ongoing climate changes and those predicted for the future, including the capacity of human activities to alter climate and the impacts of climate change on environment and society. Intended primarily for students not concentrating in science or engineering. 102A: three lectures per week (2 research papers over the semester)
Spring 2011
GEO 364/CHM 364: Earth Chemistry: The Major Realms of the Planet
The chemical composition of the major realms of the planet: core, mantle, continents, ocean, atmosphere, and biosphere. Topics include the synthesis of the chemical elements in stars, the origin of the solar system and Earth, and the chemical differentiation of Earth's core, mantle, crust, ocean, atmosphere, and biosphere. Also explores the global cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and other biologically important elements, their interactions with the geosphere, and their evolution through time
Spring 2009
GEO 535 Biogeochemical Cycles and Earth History -
Isotope Geochemistry of the Biologically Important Elements
Examines the evidence for changes in the cycles of biologically important elements (Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, etc.) over Earth history. Topics will include the development and evolution of the biogeochemical cycles, their significance for the geologic and fossil records, and biogeochemical change during the last ice age. Overview lectures by the instructor and student presentations based on readings from the scientific literature and/or ongoing research.