12.090 | Spring 2007 | Undergraduate

The Environment of the Earth's Surface

Course Description

A great variety of processes affect the surface of the Earth. Topics to be covered are production and movement of surficial materials; soils and soil erosion; precipitation; streams and lakes; groundwater flow; glaciers and their deposits. The course combines aspects of geology, climatology, hydrology, and soil science …
A great variety of processes affect the surface of the Earth. Topics to be covered are production and movement of surficial materials; soils and soil erosion; precipitation; streams and lakes; groundwater flow; glaciers and their deposits. The course combines aspects of geology, climatology, hydrology, and soil science to present a coherent introduction to the surface of the Earth, with emphasis on both fundamental concepts and practical applications, as a basis for understanding and intelligent management of the Earth’s physical and chemical environment.
Learning Resource Types
Exams
Online Textbook
A satellite photograph of a meandering river.
This satellite photograph of the Songhua River in China illustrates how a meandering river can shape the surrounding landscape. (Courtesy of NASA; photograph in the public domain.)