Overview

Earth Systems Science (ESS) examines the structure and function of the parts of the earth—geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere—and how they interact to create the biosphere. This integrated science, which connects the different parts of the earth system, is foundational for a wide range of natural sciences and science-societal issues, including global climate change, suburban flooding, and loss of biotic diversity. Clark's ESS program emphasizes the patterns and processes of the earth's surface and thus serves as an introduction to earth science or geoscience. Remote sensing and geographical information sciences (GISc) are emphasized for problem solving. Students completing the ESS track of the Environmental Major are prepared for a large range of professional endeavors and advanced studies involving the geosciences, physical geography, climatology, landscape ecology, and GISc.

Comparison with Geography and other Environmental Programs at Clark

ESS differs from the Geography major in that its emphasis is on natural science. ESS shares interests with but differs from the Environmental and Conservation Biology concentration of the Environmental Science major, focused on ecosystems, and the ES&P concentration with its policy focus. The ESS concentration differs from the Global Environmental Studies major and the Human-Environment track of the Geography major because both these programs are social science entries into environmental issues, not programs of study about the biophysical functioning of the earth system.

Majors in ESS develop a strong biophysical training in earth systems and earth science as well as the GISc analytical tools that pervade this arena of science.

Advising sheet for ESS

Use this form to plan your course of study and also to keep track of your progress towards completing the major requirements. ESS advising sheet (PDF)