What This Document Is
These are detailed lecture notes from EPSC 210A: Epic of Evolution at Washington University in St. Louis. The notes comprehensively cover key concepts related to Earth’s climate systems, both past and present. Expect a deep dive into the forces that shape global temperatures and atmospheric conditions, spanning geological timescales. The material appears to integrate principles from atmospheric science, geology, and paleoclimatology to build a holistic understanding of long-term climate change.
Why This Document Matters
Students enrolled in EPSC 210A – or anyone seeking a robust understanding of Earth’s climate history – will find these notes invaluable. They are particularly useful for reinforcing material presented in lectures, preparing for discussions, and building a strong foundation for more advanced study. These notes can be used throughout the semester as a primary study resource, and are especially helpful when tackling complex topics like the interplay between geological processes and atmospheric composition. They’re designed to help you connect the dots between seemingly disparate events in Earth’s history and their impact on the planet’s climate.
Common Limitations or Challenges
These notes are a *supplement* to, not a *replacement* for, active participation in lectures and assigned readings. They do not include direct explanations of assigned textbook chapters or provide simplified summaries of complex scientific papers. The notes are detailed, and may require careful review and integration with other course materials to fully grasp the concepts. They also do not offer practice problems or self-assessment quizzes.
What This Document Provides
* Detailed explanations of atmospheric circulation patterns and their influence on regional climates.
* Visual representations illustrating key processes like orographic lifting and frontal wedging.
* An overview of the factors driving long-term temperature fluctuations throughout the Phanerozoic Eon.
* Discussion of the role of geological events, such as mountain building and erosion, in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
* Exploration of orbital variations (Milankovitch Cycles) and their impact on climate.
* Graphical data relating to past climate conditions and carbon dioxide concentrations.
