Environmental solution logo

This website features work from the completion of Phase 1 of the SCALES Project.

We are currently seeking partnerships for Phase 2.

SDG 15 – Life on Land

  • Exercise 2: Rock Structure and Deformation

    This exercise is aimed at giving you some practical experience with rock structures and how they appear on the earth’s surface as well as in cross section. 

    Read more: Exercise 2: Rock Structure and Deformation
  • Lab 2: Rock Identification

    This lab constitutes four parts. In the first three sessions, you will familiarize yourselves with the characteristics of – and learn to describe, identify and interpret – the three main types of rock: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic.

    Read more: Lab 2: Rock Identification
  • Lab 1: Mineral Identification

    Although more than 2,000 different mineral species have been identified, only 25 or 30 are abundant constituents of rocks. The purpose of this exercise is to acquaint you with these common rock-forming minerals. The most diagnostic physical properties of these minerals are listed in the Mineral Identification Index.

    Read more: Lab 1: Mineral Identification
  • Exercise 1: Composition of the Mantle

    Calculate the composition of the Earth’s Mantle as estimated from the sun’s composition.

    Read more: Exercise 1: Composition of the Mantle
  • Assignment 1 The Earth’s Radiation Budget

    The global energy balance is important for Earth's climate. When visible radiation from the Sun reaches the Earth, some of it is reflected or scattered directly back into space as shortwave radiation (the percent reflected is known as albedo) and some of it is absorbed. In the absence of clouds, absorption happens mainly at the surface. The absorbed energy warms the Earth's surface, which, in turn, emits this energy at a longer wavelength (infrared rather than visible light).

    The purpose of this assignment is to get you thinking about the Earth's radiation budget and the sorts of phenomena which may influence that budget. The description of the datasets is taken from a class taught by Schlosser, Pfirman and Ting at Columbia University.

    Read more: Assignment 1 The Earth’s Radiation Budget
  • Final Exam

    Please answer question 1; and then either question 2 or question 3. This is the same type of format and approach as the mid-term.

    Suggested length: No fewer than 5 pages and no more than 7 pages for each question, double spaced, not triple spaced with wide margins. (Of course if you can do an excellent essay in less than 5 pages, by all means proceed).

    • Each answer is in essence an 'essay' on the topics you have selected. You must draw on the assigned readings.
    • Do not use the same readings as you did in the mid-term, or focus on the same topic.
    • Since you need to demonstrate familiarity with the assigned readings relevant to each question, feel free to draw from materials across the 13 weeks – as needed.
    • Do not use the same assigned readings for both questions. If you find it necessary to draw on the same assignments, use additional references to make up for the 'double duty factor.'
    • Try to use at least 4 different sources in your answer to each question.
    • For general points, please note that you need the author's name; for specific points noted, you need the author plus the relevant page. Please add your reference list at the end of each question.
    Read more: Final Exam
  • Midterm Exam

    The purpose of this mid-term is for you to:

    • Show your grasp of the challenges in this course
    • Demonstrate your understanding of the reading assignments and relationship to the seminar discussions
    • Show understanding of sustainability issues at this point, and on this basis
    • Obtain some feedback from the instructor as relevant
    • It would be useful to outline your answers before actually writing. Since you will demonstrate familiarity with the assigned readings, please feel free to draw from materials across various weeks – as needed.
    Read more: Midterm Exam
  • Global System for Sustainable Development Database

    Submit 10 websites for the Global System for Sustainable Development (GSSD) database via "Submit Site.

    Read more: Global System for Sustainable Development Database
  • Final Project

    Read the final project requirements. Think about what topic, datasets, and output technique you want to explore for your final project. This could be building on one of the sketches you did before, or starting something new.

    Read more: Final Project
  • Homework 16 & 17: Sketch 5

    Start working on your idea for this sketch, and bring into class: data, audience, goals, and question.

     

    Finish your sketch

    Read more: Homework 16 & 17: Sketch 5

Notice something that doesn’t seem right? Want to make a suggestion or provide feedback about how something is classified? 
Please reach out to esi [at] mit.edu and include SCALES Website in the subject of your email.
Feedback and any actions taken with regards to the feedback, will be shared as they are addressed.