ESS-31806 Biogeochemical Cycles

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Lectures36
Practical intensively supervised36
Course coordinator(s)dr. ir. MR Hoosbeek
Lecturer(s)dr. ir. MR Hoosbeek
dr. ir. G Schraa
prof. dr. TW Kuyper
dr. ir. T Hiemstra
dr. JM Schoorl
dr. B Kruijt
Examiner(s)dr. ir. MR Hoosbeek

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

ESS-20306 or equivalent

Continuation courses:

ESS-32306 Earth System Modelling

Contents:

Human activity is profoundly changing the regional and global environment. Some of these changes are caused by CO2 emissions resulting from the use of fossil fuels, or by the application of nitrogen compounds from fertilizer to soils. Many of these human interventions are now occurring on such large scale that the global biogeochemical cycles (e.g. carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous) are changing, thus affecting the climate and the way the Earth system operates. This course includes the following subjects:
- tectonic processes and erosion;
- the early history of life;
- evolution of metabolism;
- biogeochemistry of primary production in the sea;
- biogeochemistry of terrestrial net primary production;
- biogeochemistry of decomposition and detritus processing;
- soil carbon sequestration;
- anaerobic metabolism: Linkages to trace gases and aerobic processes;
- land-atmosphere interactions;
- stable isotope ecology practical;
- the geologic history of the carbon cycle;
- the contemporary carbon cycle;
- the global nitrogen cycle;
- the global phosphorus cycle;
- the global sulphur cycle;
- the global oxygen cycle.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of this course the student is expected to be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of the major biogeochemical cycles;
- demonstrate insight into feedback mechanisms affecting biogeochemical cycles;
- design and evaluate an experiment based on the use of stable isotopes;
- assess the human impact on biogeochemical cycles (Global Change).

Activities:

- classroom teaching;
- use of biogeochemical model.

Examination:

Regular exam.

Literature:

Readers.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Compulsory for: MMAMeteorology and Air QualityMScC: Climate Change2MO
Restricted Optional for: MCLClimate StudiesMSc2MO
MCLClimate StudiesMSc2MO
MCLClimate StudiesMSc2MO
MCLClimate StudiesMSc2MO
MCLClimate StudiesMSc2MO