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Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice

Thomas Hobiger, Gisela Carvajal, Leif Eriksson, Rüdiger Haas, Anders Berg, and Karine Le Bail

Global warming. Rising sea levels. Droughts. Flooding. The melting of the polar ice caps.

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Global warming. Rising sea levels. Droughts. Flooding. The melting of the polar ice caps.

Join us, when we discover how continental water and ice masses are measured and monitored through remote sensing. Our experts give you first-hand insights how water and mass transport can be traced, and how this relates to the complex processes in the Earth‘s system.

Together with your fellow learners you will assess and evaluate statements made in relation to climate change. This will prepare you to make evidence-based decisions for a sustainable future.

Join us and let’s sense planet Earth together!

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How we measure the hydrosphere and the cryosphere
  • How to judge the quality and reliability of earth observations
  • How to compare measurement tools
  • How to assess the impact of global change on our environment

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches tools and techniques related to tracing water and mass transport in the Earth's system, highly relevant to climate change science
Taught by experts who provide first-hand insights into water and mass transport related to climate change
Helps learners understand how Earth's hydrosphere and cryosphere are connected to global climate processes
Provides an opportunity to evaluate and assess statements related to climate change, promoting evidence-based decision-making
Leverages remote sensing technologies to measure and monitor water and ice masses, as well as their changes over time
Strong focus on evaluating and assessing information related to climate change, preparing learners for informed decision-making

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice with these activities:
Review high school physics
Our course is based on the principles of classical mechanics. Refresh what you already know about these concepts.
Browse courses on Newton's Laws of Motion
Show steps
  • Review your high school physics textbook
  • Watch some online videos on Newtonian physics
  • Take a practice quiz on classical mechanics
Read Solid State Physics
This book is the standard textbook for solid state physics, and it will give you a deep understanding of the material we will be covering in class.
View Solid State Physics on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the first chapter
  • Solve the problems at the end of the chapter
  • Attend the first lecture
Watch video lectures on solid state physics
There are many great video lectures on solid state physics available online. Watching these lectures can help you to learn the material at your own pace and to reinforce what you are learning in class.
Show steps
  • Find a video lecture series on solid state physics
  • Watch the first lecture
  • Take notes on the lecture
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Start a blog about solid state physics
Write about the concepts you are learning in class. This will help you to solidify your understanding of the material and to identify any areas where you need additional help.
Show steps
  • Choose a blogging platform
  • Write a post about the first chapter of the textbook
  • Share your blog with your classmates and professor
Join a study group for solid state physics
Study groups are a great way to learn from your peers and to get help with difficult concepts.
Show steps
  • Find a study group for your class
  • Attend a study group meeting
  • Help your classmates with their understanding of the material
Solve practice problems in solid state physics
Solving practice problems is a great way to test your understanding of the material and to identify any areas where you need additional help.
Show steps
  • Find a problem set for your textbook
  • Solve the first problem in the set
  • Check your answer with the solution manual
Find a research mentor in solid state physics
A research mentor can help you to learn more about solid state physics and to get involved in research.
Show steps
  • Identify potential research mentors in your department
  • Contact potential mentors and express your interest in their research
  • Meet with your mentor to discuss your research interests
Create a study guide for the final exam
Creating a study guide will help you to identify the key concepts that you need to know for the final exam.
Show steps
  • Review the course syllabus
  • Identify the key concepts that are covered in the syllabus
  • Write down each key concept on a separate index card

Career center

Learners who complete Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Remote Sensing Scientist
Remote Sensing Scientists use satellite and airborne imagery to study the Earth's surface. They may use this imagery to monitor changes in land use, vegetation, and water resources. The Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice course is an excellent fit for Remote Sensing Scientists. It teaches how water and ice masses are measured and monitored through remote sensing. It also explains how this relates to the complex processes in the Earth‘s system.
Glaciologist
Glaciologists study glaciers and ice caps. They investigate how glaciers move and change over time and how they interact with the environment. The Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice course is an excellent resource for aspiring Glaciologists. It provides a comprehensive overview of the cryosphere and how it is measured and monitored.
Climatologist
Climatologists study climate and climate change. They collect and analyze data on climate variables such as temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns. The Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice course can provide Climatologists with a foundational understanding of the Earth's systems. It teaches about the hydrosphere and the cryosphere, which are significant components of the Earth's climate system.
Hydrologist
Hydrologists study the distribution, movement, and quality of water on Earth. They collect this information to understand water availability, predict flooding, and help communities plan for water use. The Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice course is a foundation for Hydrologists. It teaches you how water and mass transport can be traced. It also explains how this relates to the complex processes in the Earth‘s system.
Geospatial Analyst
Geospatial Analysts use geographic data to solve problems. They may use this data to create maps, analyze trends, and develop plans. The Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice course is a valuable resource for Geospatial Analysts. It builds a foundation in the measurement and monitoring of water and ice masses. It also teaches how this relates to the complex processes in the Earth‘s system.
Water Resources Scientist
Water Resources Scientists conduct research on water bodies and waterways to better understand their quality and how they can be used. They often work with Environmental Engineers to come up with solutions around waste and water treatment. The Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice course helps build a foundation to become a Water Resources Scientist. It teaches you how we measure the hydrosphere and the cryosphere.
Geoscientist
Geoscientists study the physical characteristics of the Earth, including its atmosphere, oceans, and landmasses. They use this knowledge to understand the planet's history and evolution and predict future changes. The Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice course is an excellent way to gain a foundational understanding of the Earth's systems. It teaches you about the hydrosphere and the cryosphere, which are crucial components of the Earth's system.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultants help organizations comply with environmental regulations and reduce their environmental impact. They may also develop and implement environmental management systems. The Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice course is a helpful resource for Environmental Consultants. It can help build a foundation in environmental science and provide insights into how water and ice masses are measured and monitored.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers devise solutions to reduce pollution and protect the environment. For instance, they design waste and water treatment systems. They must stay up-to-date on new technologies that better protect the planet. The Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice course provides a foundation in the measurement and monitoring of water and ice masses. It helps you see how these relate to the complex processes in the Earth’s system. This course may be useful to an Environmental Engineer as they work to solve problems with earth observation data and make assessments on the impact of global change.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers oversee an organization's sustainability initiatives. They develop and implement plans to reduce the organization's environmental impact and improve its social and economic performance. The Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice course could be beneficial to Sustainability Managers, as it provides a foundation in environmental science and shows how water and ice masses are measured and monitored.
Oceanographer
Oceanographers study the world's oceans. They investigate the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the oceans and how they interact with the atmosphere. The Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice course would be helpful to Oceanographers. It provides a foundation in the measurement and monitoring of water and ice masses. It also explains how this relates to the complex processes in the Earth‘s system.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. They may use this information to make recommendations for businesses and organizations. The Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice course is a helpful resource for Data Analysts interested in environmental data. It provides a foundation in the measurement and monitoring of water and ice masses. It also teaches how this relates to the complex processes in the Earth‘s system.
Science Writer
Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to a general audience. They may write articles, reports, and books. The Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice course can help Science Writers better understand the science of water and ice masses. It can also provide them with examples of how to communicate this science to a general audience.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies. They may use this information to make recommendations to policymakers. The Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice course can provide Policy Analysts with a foundation in environmental science. It can also help them understand how water and ice masses are measured and monitored.
Educator
Educators teach students about a variety of subjects. They may work in schools, colleges, or universities. The Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice course is a valuable resource for Educators who teach about environmental science. It provides a foundation in the measurement and monitoring of water and ice masses. It also teaches how this relates to the complex processes in the Earth‘s system.

Reading list

We've selected 21 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice.
Provides a comprehensive overview of remote sensing of the environment, including the underlying principles, techniques, and applications. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field.
A comprehensive textbook on snow and ice hydrology, covering basic principles to advanced applications.
Covers the theory, techniques, and applications of remote sensing of the Earth's cryosphere, including glaciers, ice sheets, and sea ice.
Provides a comprehensive overview of hydrology, including the underlying principles, techniques, and applications. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field.
Reference and handbook for hydrologists and water resources engineers, covering a wide range of topics.
This journal publishes original research articles and reviews in all fields of cold regions science and technology, including snow, ice, permafrost, and glaciers.
This journal publishes original research articles and reviews in all fields of glaciology, including ice sheet dynamics, ice core studies, and glacier modeling.
This journal publishes original research articles and reviews in all fields of earth science, including hydrology, cryosphere, and remote sensing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of climate change, including the underlying science and policy implications. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field.
This journal publishes original research articles and reviews in all fields of water resources science, including hydrology, water quality, and water management.
This journal publishes original research articles and reviews in all fields of hydrology, including surface water hydrology, groundwater hydrology, and water resources management.
This journal publishes original research articles and reviews in all fields of remote sensing, including the use of remote sensing for water resources management, disaster monitoring, and agricultural applications.
This journal publishes original research articles and reviews in all fields of earth observation and remote sensing, including the use of remote sensing for water resources management, disaster monitoring, and agricultural applications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of water quality assessment, including the underlying principles, techniques, and applications. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of remote sensing of the environment, including the underlying principles, techniques, and applications. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of hydrology and climate change, including the underlying principles, techniques, and applications. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the water cycle, including the underlying principles, techniques, and applications. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of water resources and climate change, including the underlying principles, techniques, and applications. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field.

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