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ESS 8: The Oceans: An Introduction to the Marine Environment (EARTHSYS 8)

The course will provide a basic understanding of how the ocean functions as a suite of interconnected ecosystems, both naturally and under the influence of human activities. Emphasis is on the interactions between the physical and chemical environment and the dominant organisms of each ecosystem. The types of ecosystems discussed include coral reefs, deep-sea hydrothermal vents, coastal upwelling systems, blue-water oceans, estuaries, and near-shore dead zones. Lectures, multimedia presentations, group activities, and tide-pooling day trip.
Terms: Spr | Units: 4 | UG Reqs: WAY-SMA
Instructors: ; Arrigo, K. (PI)

ESS 46N: Exploring the Critical Interface between the Land and Monterey Bay: Elkhorn Slough (EARTHSYS 46N)

Preference to freshmen. Field trips to sites in the Elkhorn Slough, a small agriculturally impacted estuary that opens into Monterey Bay, a model ecosystem for understanding the complexity of estuaries, and one of California's last remaining coastal wetlands. Readings include Jane Caffrey's "Changes in a California Estuary: A Profile of Elkhorn Slough". Basics of biogeochemistry, microbiology, oceanography, ecology, pollution, and environmental management.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3 | UG Reqs: WAY-SMA
Instructors: ; Francis, C. (PI)

ESS 102: Scientific Basis of Climate Change (ESS 202)

This course explores the scientific basis of anthropogenic climate change. We will read the original papers that established the scientific foundation for the climate change forecast. Starting with Fourier's description of the greenhouse effect, we trace the history of the key insights into how humanity is perturbing the climate system. The course is based on "The Warming Papers", edited by David Archer and Raymond Pierrehumbert. Participants take turns presenting and leading a discussion of the papers and of Archer and Pierrehumbert's commentary.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3
Instructors: ; Sheshadri, A. (PI)

ESS 103: Rethinking Meat: An Introduction to Alternative Proteins (EARTHSYS 109, EARTHSYS 209, ESS 203, ETHICSOC 107)

How do we feed a growing population in the face of climate change? Will Impossible Burgers become the new norm? Are you curious to learn about a frontier in bio- and chemical-engineering? Are you passionate about animal rights, human health, and sustainable agriculture? Learn about the environmental, ethical, and economic drivers behind the market for meat replacements. We'll take a deep dive into the science and technology used to develop emerging plant, fermentation and cell-based meat alternatives and explore the political challenges and behavioral adaptation needed to decrease meat consumption. Hear from entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovative startups developing sustainable and marketable alternative proteins through weekly guest lectures from industry leaders.
Terms: Spr | Units: 1-2

ESS 106: World Food Economy (EARTHSYS 106, EARTHSYS 206, ECON 106, ECON 206, ESS 206)

The World Food Economy is a survey course that covers the economic and political dimensions of food production, consumption, and trade. The course focuses on food markets and food policy within a global context. It is comprised of three major sections: structural features (agronomic, technological, and economic) that determine the nature of domestic food systems; the role of domestic food and agricultural policies in international markets; and the integrating forces of international research, trade, and food aid in the world food economy. This 5-unit course entails a substantial group modeling project that is required for all students. Enrollment is by application only. The application is found at https://economics.stanford.edu/undergraduate/forms. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis, and priority will be given to upper-level undergraduates who need the course for their major, and to graduate students pursuing work directly related to the course. The application submission period will close on March 15
Terms: Spr | Units: 5 | UG Reqs: WAY-SI

ESS 108: Research Preparation for Undergraduates

For undergraduates planning to conduct research during the summer with faculty through the MUIR and SUPER programs. Readings, oral presentations, proposal development. May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Spr | Units: 1

ESS 151: Biological Oceanography (EARTHSYS 151, EARTHSYS 251, ESS 251)

Required for Earth Systems students in the oceans track. Interdisciplinary look at how oceanic environments control the form and function of marine life. Topics include distributions of planktonic production and abundance, nutrient cycling, the role of ocean biology in the climate system, expected effects of climate changes on ocean biology. Local weekend field trips.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3-4 | UG Reqs: WAY-SMA
Instructors: ; Arrigo, K. (PI)

ESS 155: Science of Soils (EARTHSYS 155)

Physical, chemical, and biological processes within soil systems. Emphasis is on factors governing nutrient availability, plant growth and production, land-resource management, and pollution within soils. How to classify soils and assess nutrient cycling and contaminant fate. Recommended: introductory chemistry and biology.
Terms: Spr | Units: 4-5 | UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
Instructors: ; Fendorf, S. (PI)

ESS 162: Remote Sensing of Land (EARTHSYS 142, EARTHSYS 242, ESS 262)

The use of satellite remote sensing to monitor land use and land cover, with emphasis on terrestrial changes. Topics include pre-processing data, biophysical properties of vegetation observable by satellite, accuracy assessment of maps derived from remote sensing, and methodologies to detect changes such as urbanization, deforestation, vegetation health, and wildfires.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3 | UG Reqs: WAY-AQR

ESS 166: Will Technology Save the World?: Environmental Ethics and Techno-Optimism (ESS 266)

The environment is in crisis and we are the cause. In this class we examine our relationship to the environment, and our ethical obligations towards humans, non-human species, and the ecosystem more broadly. We will be doing this through the lens of technology, asking how novel eco-tech might help us solve the environmental crisis, including evaluating the risks, benefits, and ethics of proposed solutions like geo-engineering, genetic modification, and renewable energies. As part of this, we will consider who benefits from technological solutions, how we might need to change our relationship to nature, and whether societies are betting too much on the promise of future technologies to fix current environmental crises. The course will ground students in applied environmental ethics, teaching them how to apply ethical decision-making frameworks, including non-western ethical systems, with an emphasis on case studies and practical implementation.
Terms: Spr | Units: 4 | UG Reqs: WAY-ER

ESS 202: Scientific Basis of Climate Change (ESS 102)

This course explores the scientific basis of anthropogenic climate change. We will read the original papers that established the scientific foundation for the climate change forecast. Starting with Fourier's description of the greenhouse effect, we trace the history of the key insights into how humanity is perturbing the climate system. The course is based on "The Warming Papers", edited by David Archer and Raymond Pierrehumbert. Participants take turns presenting and leading a discussion of the papers and of Archer and Pierrehumbert's commentary.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3
Instructors: ; Sheshadri, A. (PI)

ESS 203: Rethinking Meat: An Introduction to Alternative Proteins (EARTHSYS 109, EARTHSYS 209, ESS 103, ETHICSOC 107)

How do we feed a growing population in the face of climate change? Will Impossible Burgers become the new norm? Are you curious to learn about a frontier in bio- and chemical-engineering? Are you passionate about animal rights, human health, and sustainable agriculture? Learn about the environmental, ethical, and economic drivers behind the market for meat replacements. We'll take a deep dive into the science and technology used to develop emerging plant, fermentation and cell-based meat alternatives and explore the political challenges and behavioral adaptation needed to decrease meat consumption. Hear from entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovative startups developing sustainable and marketable alternative proteins through weekly guest lectures from industry leaders.
Terms: Spr | Units: 1-2

ESS 206: World Food Economy (EARTHSYS 106, EARTHSYS 206, ECON 106, ECON 206, ESS 106)

The World Food Economy is a survey course that covers the economic and political dimensions of food production, consumption, and trade. The course focuses on food markets and food policy within a global context. It is comprised of three major sections: structural features (agronomic, technological, and economic) that determine the nature of domestic food systems; the role of domestic food and agricultural policies in international markets; and the integrating forces of international research, trade, and food aid in the world food economy. This 5-unit course entails a substantial group modeling project that is required for all students. Enrollment is by application only. The application is found at https://economics.stanford.edu/undergraduate/forms. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis, and priority will be given to upper-level undergraduates who need the course for their major, and to graduate students pursuing work directly related to the course. The application submission period will close on March 15
Terms: Spr | Units: 5

ESS 213: Global Change and Emerging Infectious Disease (EARTHSYS 114, EARTHSYS 214, HUMBIO 114)

The changing epidemiological environment. How human-induced environmental changes, such as global warming, deforestation and land-use conversion, urbanization, international commerce, and human migration, are altering the ecology of infectious disease transmission, and promoting their re-emergence as a global public health threat. Case studies of malaria, cholera, hantavirus, plague, and HIV.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3
Instructors: ; Jones, J. (PI)

ESS 233: Mitigating Climate Change through Soil Management (EARTHSYS 233)

Climate change is one of the greatest crises facing our world. Increasing soil organic carbon storage may be a key strategy for mitigating global climate change, with the potential to offset approximately 20% of annual global fossil fuel emissions. In this course, we will learn about soil carbon cycling, its contribution to the global carbon cycle, how carbon is stored in soil, and land management practices that can increase or decrease soil carbon stocks, thereby mitigating or exacerbating climate change. Although the content is centered on soil carbon, the processes and skills learned in this course can be applied to design solutions to any environmental problem.Prerequisites: Some knowledge of soils, introductory chemistry, and introductory biology would be useful but not necessary. Please email the instructor if you have any concerns or questions.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3
Instructors: ; Hoyt, A. (PI)

ESS 234: Climate Displacement, Migration, and Mobility (HUMRTS 224)

Addressing climate displacement is one of the central sustainability challenges facing current and future generations. The climate crisis is already driving people to move. According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, approximately 31.8 million people around the world were displaced by floods, storms, fires, and other weather-related hazards in 2022 alone. Coastal communities in the U.S. and beyond are already in the process of planning relocation to escape erosion, rising sea levels, and other slow-onset effects of climate change. Displacement has significant economic, social, psychological, and cultural costs. Yet persistent knowledge gaps on these costs and how to mitigate them impede the efforts of leaders, advocates, and policymakers who face climate displacement challenges today. Join us for a one-unit seminar as we explore how to make sense of the human impacts of climate change on individuals, communities, and governments - and, in particular, on the ways in which the climate crisis is already forcing people to move or reconfigure their communities. Joined by a series of guest speakers who bring personal, policy, and scholarly expertise to this emerging issue, this seminar will speak to the phenomena of both internal and cross-border migration driven by climate change. The seminar will focus on both understanding the challenges that come with the climate crisis as well as proposed solutions to these challenges and opportunities for correcting past injustices and harms. Possible thematic focuses for our discussions include: (1) Legal, policy and governance implications of internal versus cross-border displacement, (2) The nexus of climate with conflict/public health/agriculture as drivers of migration, (3) Individual- vs. community-centric displacement solutions (e.g., household buyouts vs. community planned relocations), and (4) Indigenous sovereignty and rights in context of climate-related migration.
Terms: Spr | Units: 1-2

ESS 248: Polar Climate Dynamics

This course explores some of the key physical processes that govern Earth?s cold, high-latitude regions and their impacts on our global climate. Topics of interest include the ocean circulation in the Arctic and Southern Ocean, sea ice dynamics and variability, deep water formation and upwelling, the transport and uptake of heat and carbon at high latitudes, polar amplified warming, ice sheet mass balance, and internal modes polar climate variability. We will discuss these topics in the context of past, present, and future climate change. Classes will be a mix of lectures and paper discussions. Lectures will focus on fundamental concepts while assigned readings and in-class discussions explore their application in active research. Students will take turns presenting papers and leading discussions. Evaluations will be based on homework, in-class presentations, and a final report. There are no assigned textbooks. Recommended prerequisites: a course that introduces ocean or atmospheric circulation (e.g., Earthsys 146A/ESS 246A, Earthsys 146B/ESS 246B or CEE162D) and prior exposure to multivariable calculus (e.g., MATH 51 or CME100). Undergraduates who have the recommended prerequisites are welcome to enroll.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3
Instructors: ; Wilson, E. (PI)

ESS 251: Biological Oceanography (EARTHSYS 151, EARTHSYS 251, ESS 151)

Required for Earth Systems students in the oceans track. Interdisciplinary look at how oceanic environments control the form and function of marine life. Topics include distributions of planktonic production and abundance, nutrient cycling, the role of ocean biology in the climate system, expected effects of climate changes on ocean biology. Local weekend field trips.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3-4
Instructors: ; Arrigo, K. (PI)

ESS 262: Remote Sensing of Land (EARTHSYS 142, EARTHSYS 242, ESS 162)

The use of satellite remote sensing to monitor land use and land cover, with emphasis on terrestrial changes. Topics include pre-processing data, biophysical properties of vegetation observable by satellite, accuracy assessment of maps derived from remote sensing, and methodologies to detect changes such as urbanization, deforestation, vegetation health, and wildfires.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3

ESS 266: Will Technology Save the World?: Environmental Ethics and Techno-Optimism (ESS 166)

The environment is in crisis and we are the cause. In this class we examine our relationship to the environment, and our ethical obligations towards humans, non-human species, and the ecosystem more broadly. We will be doing this through the lens of technology, asking how novel eco-tech might help us solve the environmental crisis, including evaluating the risks, benefits, and ethics of proposed solutions like geo-engineering, genetic modification, and renewable energies. As part of this, we will consider who benefits from technological solutions, how we might need to change our relationship to nature, and whether societies are betting too much on the promise of future technologies to fix current environmental crises. The course will ground students in applied environmental ethics, teaching them how to apply ethical decision-making frameworks, including non-western ethical systems, with an emphasis on case studies and practical implementation.
Terms: Spr | Units: 4

ESS 267: Climate Change & Extreme Weather

This course provides a graduate-level overview of current understanding of the relationship between climate change and extreme weather events. Topics include: causes of extreme weather events in the absence of climate change; approaches for quantifying the probability of extreme events in the absence of climate change; mechanisms by which climate change could alter the frequency or intensity of extreme events; approaches for detecting and attributing changes in extreme events in historical observations; approaches for understanding and quantifying potential changes in extreme events in response to future global warming; approaches for quantifying the impacts of past and future changes in extreme events on people and ecosystems. Pre-requisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3
Instructors: ; Diffenbaugh, N. (PI)

ESS 307: Research Proposal Development and Delivery (EPS 307)

(Formerly GEOLSCI 307) In this class students will learn how to write rigorous, high yield, multidisciplinary proposals targeting major funding agencies. The skills gained in this class are essential to any professional career, particularly in research science. Students will write a National Science Foundation style proposal (see guidelines) involving testable hypotheses, pilot data or calculations, and broader impacts. The proposal will, hopefully, form the core of your Ph.D. proposal. In addition to a full NSF style proposal, students will develop and exercise science communication skills and contribute to broader discussions about academia and research. Students will present their final proposals in a conference-style format at the end of the quarter. While this syllabus is a useful roadmap, we encourage students to provide input on where they¿d like to see the course go. Expect the instructors to reach out for suggestions every other week. Change of Department Name: Earth and Planetary Science (Formerly Geologic Sciences).
Terms: Spr | Units: 2

ESS 323: Stanford at Sea (BIO 182H, BIO 323H, EARTHSYS 323, OCEANS 182H, OCEANS 323H)

(Graduate students register for 323H.) Five weeks of marine science including oceanography, marine physiology, policy, maritime studies, conservation, and nautical science at Hopkins Marine Station, followed by five weeks at sea aboard a sailing research vessel in the Pacific Ocean. Shore component comprised of three multidisciplinary courses meeting daily and continuing aboard ship. Students develop an independent research project plan while ashore, and carry out the research at sea. In collaboration with the Sea Education Association of Woods Hole, MA. Only 6 units may count towards the Biology major.
Terms: Spr | Units: 16

ESS 326: Atmospheric Physics

Atmospheric physics refers to the physical behavior of Earth's atmosphere (and those of other planets). The purpose of this course is to introduce the laws of the thermodynamics that drive the changes in temperature, moisture, and the energy conversions, and the physics of aerosols, clouds, and precipitation (also known as "microphysics"). Understanding these processes on multiple time and space scales is crucial to gain insights of the evolution of the Earth's weather and climate systems. The advancement of atmospheric physics is dependent on observations from a variety of platforms (in situ, ground-based, and remote sensing), providing massive amounts of information regarding the evolving state of the atmosphere. These observational data are then fed into numerical models of the atmosphere, which play an increasingly important role in decision-making, from short-term forecasts of hazardous weather to long-term policy implications of global climate change. The course will discuss the state-of-the-art observations and numerical models related with aerosol, cloud, and precipitation.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3
Instructors: ; Wang, Y. (PI)

ESS 400: Graduate Research

Independent study and thesis research under the supervision of a faculty member in the Earth System Science department. On registration, students designate faculty member and agreed-upon units. The course involves regular meetings with the faculty advisor both in person and remotely. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum | Units: 1-15 | Repeatable for credit
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