GLY 170 Blue Planet: Introduction to Oceanography
3 Credits
TR 11:00-12:15
200 Funkhouser
Instructor: Prof. Harry Rowe
Office: 206 Slone Bldg.
E-mail: hrowe@uky.edu
Office Hours: MW 10-11 a.m.
Phone: 257-1234
Bulletin Course Description: Survey of oceanography, including the geologic evolution of the ocean floor;
composition and dynamics of ocean water; interaction of lithosphere with hydrosphere; ocean-atmosphere
interaction and oceanic controls on climate dynamics; marine life and ecosystems; impact of human activity on
marine ecosystems.
Course Description: Earth, the ‘Blue Planet’, is unique among the other terrestrial planets by being bathed in
water, the remarkable compound that makes life possible. The overwhelming majority of that water is contained
in the oceans. The oceans are probably the greatest single control on the distribution of climate belts and
regional weather patterns, are a critical resource for sustainable societies, and constitute the largest and most
diverse ecosystem on the planet. Remarkably, we probably know more about the surface of the moon and Mars
than we do about the surface of the ocean floor. Bizarre life forms are regularly discovered, and often extreme
environments are being uncovered as new methods are developed for exploring the deep ocean floor and the
seawater column. Although a seemingly huge reservoir of water, the Oceans are sensitive monitors of the
impact of human activity and environmental quality. This course will explore and characterize via multiple
instructional media the basic properties of the ocean and its bounding environments (ocean floor; coastlines)
where it interacts with geologic environments, the chemistry of seawater, the range of depth zones based on
temperature and penetration of sunlight, the dynamics and origin of oceanic circulation, and biodiversity. This
characterization will be the basis for a more detailed examination of the interaction of the ocean with the
atmosphere in the context of the hydrologic cycle and the control of climate and weather patterns (such as
periods of El Niño and La Niña), and implications for climate change and issues such as global warming. We
will also discuss interaction of seawater with lithosphere, which will be the basis for a discussion of nutrient
cycling. We will explore the range of biologic and geologic resources contained within the ocean, the impact of
human activity on the vitality and ability of oceans to withstand environmental degradation, and the latest
emerging technologies for study of the ocean.
Teaching Objectives:
-Explain the origin of the oceans and evidence for their evolution as preserved in the geologic record.
-Explain and illustrate the dimensions and character of the oceans and their bounding systems (sea floor,
shorelines).
-Enumerate and discuss the relationship of Earth systems (hydrosphere, atmosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere,
biosphere), organized around the marine component of the hydrosphere.
-Illustrate with case studies how ocean-atmosphere interactions control climate and local weather patterns.
-Characterize the biodiversity of marine systems, and document the impact of human activity on quality of those
systems.
Student Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
-Comprehend the properties and behavior of marine systems as demonstrated by performance on objective
examinations.
-Demonstrate the ability to clearly explain the relationship among the hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, and
atmosphere, through writing assignments and short essays.
-Analyze and interpret simple but meaningful data sets that quantify aspects of ocean behavior (past, present,
and future).
-Evaluate the accuracy and objectivity of scientific information presented in various media formats (television,
video, print, electronic).
-Relate ocean dynamics to long term climate variations such as global warming and local weather phenomena
such as droughts.
Textbook: Essentials of Oceanography (3rd Ed.) ISBN 0-534-39259-8, by Tom S. Garrison
Course Web Page: http://www.uky.edu/AS/Geology/rowe/gly170. All course information, outlines of lecture
notes, exam review sheets, assignments, and links to topical sources of information will be posted here. Check
this site before coming to class each lecture.
Assignments and Grades: Grades are based on exams and brief writing assignments weighted according to the
following breakdown: Exams 1 through 3: 20%; Final Exam (Comprehensive): 20%. Writing assignments: 20%.
Exams: Each exam may include multiple-choice, definitions, and true/false questions in addition to short
answer. The final exam will be cumulative. All material covered in lecture, homework, and in-class
assignments should be reviewed as preparation for the exam. Most of the lecture will be related to the textbook,
although supplemental material not in the textbook (such as videos, WWW resources, slides) may also be
presented in class. Your comprehension of the material will be better if you read the assigned sections in the
textbook before class (and any handouts), examinen and read the assigned web resources, and take good notes.
Remember: BRING (SHARP) #2 PENCILS AND ERASERS TO EXAMS
Make-up exams: If you have a conflict with an exam for an officially sanctioned University reason, you may
take the exam at a different time or date. However, you must inform me as soon as possible (no later than one
week before the exam). Make-up exams will only be given in the case of illness, official university activities, or
deaths in the family. Written proofs must be provided in all cases. If the final is missed for a legitimate excuse,
an "Incomplete" will be given and the final can be taken next semester. Make-up exams may be essay format.
(NOTE: The final exam can only be taken during final’s week (May 2 to May 6)
Cheating and plagiarism: I encourage you to form study groups to prepare for exams. However, the work you
present in writing assignments and on exams must be your own. Do not copy or read what a classmate has
written. See the UK “Student Rights and Responsibilities” handbook for a discussion of plagiarism if you have
questions. As students and faculty in the University of Kentucky, we are all responsible for adhering to these
policies. It is particularly important that you understand what constitutes cheating and plagiarism and that you
are aware of the consequences of such actions. The minimum penalty for confirmed cases of cheating or
plagiarism is a failing grade for the class.
KEYS TO PERFORMING WELL IN GLY 170:
1. Come to class on time and stay for the entire period.
2. During lecture, do not engage in unnecessary conversation unrelated with the class.
3. Pay attention and ask questions (in lecture, during office hours, or via e-mail).
4. Read chapters before class and review your notes.
5. Make use of the WWW resources; numerous links to very engaging web pages are listed on the class web
page.
6. Learn the vocabulary.
7. Find someone to study with who is committed to doing well.
8. Be sure to look up in a world map the locations of localities/countries mentioned in the class room or in the
book. You will be expected to have a general idea of world geography.
9. Turn off your cell phones.
Week
1
Tentative Lecture Schedule
Topic
Importance of the oceans in global systems.
Exploring the “final frontier” on Earth.
History and techniques in ocean exploration
Reading:
Chp 1
2
Origin of the oceans
Chp 2
3
Ocean basins: physical structure of the ocean floor
Chp 3
4
Exam 1
Plate tectonics and ocean systems: mid-ocean ridge systems,
subduction zones, hydrothermal vents
Chp 4
5
Water: molecular properties and origin
Chp 6
6
The hydrologic cycle and sea level change
Chemistry, Thermal properties, and composition of seawater
Chp 6
Chp 6, 7
7
Spring break March 13-20-go to the ocean!
8
Chemistry and composition of ocean water: why is the sea
salty?
Exam 2
9
Weathering reactions & Seawater-sea floor interactions.
The CO2- carbonate system
Chp. 7
10
Marine sediments
Chp. 5
11
Ocean circulation and climate.
Thermohaline circulation and the global “Conveyor Belt”
Ocean circulation and the global heat budget
Chp 9
Chp 8
Chp 6, 7
12
Waves and tides
Exam 3
Chp 10,11
13
Marine primary productivity
The benthic realm
Coral reefs
Chp 13,14
Chp16
Chp 15
14
Storms, El Niño and the “Southern Oscillation”
Human Impacts on the Oceans
Chp 17
Chp 18.
15
Special Topics
FINAL EXAM