Earth’s Oceans and Coastlines In this course we explore our planet’s oceans and coastlines through the interdisciplinary study of marine geology, physics, biology, and chemistry. We use these fields as lenses through which we examine our reliance on the oceans for climate stability, food, economic resources, and waste dispersal, among a host of other ecosystem services. In parallel, we explore how humans are fundamentally altering coastal and marine ecosystems, posing unequally distributed, but increasingly severe threats to ocean and human health. In labs, we learn quantitative data visualization and analysis techniques making use of real-world observations and datasets.

Climate and Earth’s History  In this course we will discuss how external forces and internal feedbacks within the Earth system govern climate. Specific topics will include orbital variability, changes in ocean circulation, CO2 uptake in terrestrial ecosystems, and molecular vibrational controls on infrared absorption and Earth's heat budget. We will then examine climate change through Earth's history as evidenced by a number of geologic proxies including the sedimentary record, ice cores, isotopic records, glaciers, soils, and tree rings. Ultimately, our improved understanding of past climates will provide a context within which to discuss future changes to come.

Senior Thesis Research Seminar In this seminar students will focus on methods and strategies for completing advanced research in earth and climate sciences, serving as preparation for capstone research experiences at the 700 level. Areas of emphasis include research methods, reading and synthesis of primary literature, data analysis, interpretation and visualization, and scientific writing.

Sedimentary Processes and Environments This course examines modern sedimentary processes and environments, with the goal of understanding the environmental conditions under which ancient sediments were deposited and preserved. Topics include the dynamics of weathering and sediment transport; the interpretation of depositional environments from sedimentary textures, structures and relationships; and stratigraphic techniques for interpreting Earth history. Field trips provide hands-on opportunities to apply course material and investigate Middlebury’s ancient history as a sandy, tropical paradise. (Any 0100-level geology course or by waiver)

How to Build a Habitable Planet In this course we will examine how Earth came to be the planet we know today: a uniquely habitable world, home to a diverse array of organisms and interconnected systems. We will begin our journey through deep time with the Big Bang and the coalescence of the first stardust, and conclude by examining how humans have become integral drivers of planetary evolution, transforming Earth’s surface and atmosphere at largely unprecedented rates. Students will engage with cutting edge scientific research via readings, discussion, and synthesis of the primary and secondary scientific literature.

Earth’s Oceans and Coastlines In this course we explore our planet’s oceans and coastlines through the interdisciplinary study of marine geology, physics, biology, and chemistry. We use these fields as lenses through which we examine our reliance on the oceans for climate stability, food, economic resources, and waste dispersal, among a host of other ecosystem services. In parallel, we explore how humans are fundamentally altering coastal and marine ecosystems, posing unequally distributed, but increasingly severe threats to ocean and human health. In labs, we make use of the college’s research vessel, the R/V Folger, and learn quantitative data visualization and analysis techniques.

Climate and Earth’s History  In this course we will discuss how external forces and internal feedbacks within the Earth system govern climate. Specific topics will include orbital variability, changes in ocean circulation, CO2 uptake in terrestrial ecosystems, and molecular vibrational controls on infrared absorption and Earth's heat budget. We will then examine climate change through Earth's history as evidenced by a number of geologic proxies including the sedimentary record, ice cores, isotopic records, glaciers, soils, and tree rings. Ultimately, our improved understanding of past climates will provide a context within which to discuss future changes to come. (Formally GEOL 0221)

Allison Jacobel

Reviews and ratings for Allison Jacobel at Middlebury College.Allison Jacobel teaches Earth's Oceans and Coastlines, Climate and Earth's History, Senior Thesis Research Seminar and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Allison Jacobel good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

This course was very fast paced in terms of lectures and material, however Professor Jacobel always made sure there was time for questions and discussion. Everything that we covered was extremely relevant and assignments prompted engagement with real-world issues. Sometimes I would finish lab reports within the lab period, while other times I would spend hours on them outside of class. The exams were long and in-depth. I highly recommend attending office hours. 

This covers a deeper understanding of what students learn in Climate Dynamics and 100-level ESCS classes. The first half of the course covers basic ocean and atmospheric science and moves into applications for future climate change and research. The papers read, and exams were difficult, but Jacobel offers test revisions and is very helpful. 

I enjoyed this course with Allison. Though a few of the weeks were extremely heavy, especially during the review paper project, it was a valuable course, and I learned a lot of things I can take with me post-grad. 