Term paper outline:-

In the (slightly tounge-in-cheek) context of the course, we will ask for a 'mission report' from each expedition member. This will be an approximately 5 page paper investigating a particular (and detailed) aspect of Earth's habitability. It will involve some independent research and an in-class presentation. We will make time for in-class discussion along the way, and will suggest a range of possible topics although you may pick your own. We are using this as a writing exercise too. Mission commanders are curmudgeonly sticklers about punctuation, spelling and fluidity of writing! The class will be divided into groups of 3 or 4 students. The task of each group member will be to prepare a section of the report.

-Initial topics will be chosen in 5th week.

-Brief summaries of mission report progress due 7th week.

-Papers due end of 10th week.

These are examples of topics that might be tackled:

Resources: Does Earth have enough to sustain a colony? In each case: how much of the resource is needed; how will it be found; how will the resource be evaluated and what are the consequences of its exploitation?

1. Energy:

Fossil – oil, gas, coal, uranium

Other – wind, biomass, wind, geothermal, hydro

2. Minerals

Basic – Iron, aluminum, copper, silicon, CaCO3 (for construction)

Trace – Gold, silver, additives for steel, etc

3. Hydrological

Surface

Sub-surface

Environment: Is Earth a safe place? In each case: How is risk quantified; can specific events be predicted and how can societal impact be minimized?

1. Geological hazards

Earthquakes

Volcanoes

Landslides

2. Severe weather

Hurricanes

Tornados and severe thunderstorms

Floods

3. Climate variability with scales of a few years

Droughts

El Nino

4. Long term climate variability: Hundreds to thousands of years

Desertification

Ice Ages

Stability of ice sheets

Potential for sudden, catastrophic changes