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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.

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!

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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

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

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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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Reviews summary

Sensing earth's water and ice

According to learners, this course dives into the crucial topic of sensing Earth's water and ice masses using remote sensing techniques. Students appreciate gaining insights into how these systems are measured and monitored, linking this to climate change processes. The focus on evaluating data helps learners develop skills for making evidence-based decisions regarding a sustainable future. While the subject matter is highly relevant, some learners may find the technical aspects of remote sensing challenging without prior background.

Explores how data is gathered via remote sensing.

"Learning about remote sensing techniques was a key takeaway."

"The methods for measuring water and ice from space were fascinating."

"I appreciated the focus on the practical aspects of Earth observation."

"Understanding the tools used for sensing the planet was insightful."

Helps evaluate earth observation data.

"The course helped me learn how to judge data reliability."

"I feel better equipped to assess climate change statements now."

"Understanding data quality is crucial, and this course emphasizes that."

"Provides a good foundation for evaluating observational data."

Covers vital topics like climate change impacts.

"The course tackles critical issues facing our planet today."

"I found the connection to climate change impacts very relevant."

"Understanding how we monitor water and ice is so important right now."

"The topics covered directly address global environmental concerns."

May require background for full comprehension.

"Some of the technical details felt a bit advanced for me."

"I think some prior knowledge of remote sensing would be helpful."

"The measurement tools section was quite technical; I had to rewatch."

"Could be challenging if you're completely new to Earth observation techniques."

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

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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

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Review your high school physics textbook
Watch some online videos on Newtonian physics
Take a practice quiz on classical mechanics

Read Solid State Physics

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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

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Read the first chapter
Solve the problems at the end of the chapter
Attend the first lecture

Watch video lectures on solid state physics

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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.

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Find a video lecture series on solid state physics
Watch the first lecture
Take notes on the lecture

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Start a blog about solid state physics

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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.

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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

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Study groups are a great way to learn from your peers and to get help with difficult concepts.

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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

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Solving practice problems is a great way to test your understanding of the material and to identify any areas where you need additional help.

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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

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A research mentor can help you to learn more about solid state physics and to get involved in research.

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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

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Creating a study guide will help you to identify the key concepts that you need to know for the final exam.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Remote Sensing Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Glaciologist

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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geospatial Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geoscientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Oceanographer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

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.

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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.

Environmental Geoinformatics

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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.

Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice

What's inside

Learning objectives

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Sensing earth's water and ice

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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