Recognition and interpretation of spatial patterns, in Earth system science. Firsthand analysis of, current research questions with a strong spatial, component. Familiarization with the background of, the research questions and their broader contexts., Hypothesis development about Earth processes from, remote data (e.g., topographic data, satellite, imagery), articulation of appropriate field tests, for hypotheses. Development of analytical skills, and use of spatial analysis tools, including, geographic information systems software. Lecture, and laboratory.