ENVS 365 | Frozen Earth

This course examines the major components of Earth¿s cryosphere¿including snow, permafrost, sea ice, glaciers, and ice sheets¿and their influence on climate, hydrology, ecosystems, and society. Students engage with foundational concepts about the physical properties and controls of frozen systems, then apply their understanding through in-person exploration, data interpretation, and research presentations and discussions with cryospheric scientists. The course highlights climate-driven transformations in frozen landscapes and their disproportionate impacts on polar communities. A hands-on lab component integrates fieldwork and lab-based learning, giving students direct experience with cryospheric data, tools, and techniques.