EARTH: WHAT’S ON TOP – FALL 2026 VIDEOS

Coordinators: Judy Weis, Pete Weis

This semester, we focus on the natural features of the Earth that are on the surface.

To view a video click on the link above its description.

EARTH: WHAT’S ON TOP
The Biosphere

Presenter: Pete Weis
Presentation Date: September 17, 2026

• Biosphere Video

Life, as we know it, needs water and oxygen. These are found in the hydrosphere and the atmosphere – with the hydrosphere covering 70% and the atmosphere covering 100% of our Earth’s surface. They interact with each other, allowing life in various forms on the various forms of the geosphere. They interact to affect our weather, making various areas more or less habitable. The hydrosphere is 97% salty (oceans), and of the remaining 3%, 70% is frozen. We shall describe the various forms of hydrosphere and how they support life with the essential interaction of the atmosphere.

EARTH: WHAT’S ON TOP
Deserts

Presenter: Larry Shapiro
Presentation Date: October 1, 2026

• Deserts Video

The Arabic word sahra (Sahara) is defined as “a desolate land to be traversed as quickly as possible.” I can’t do justice to this vast topic in one class, but I’ll try to keep a leisurely pace while comparing the different kinds of deserts, the histories of some representative deserts and the conditions that desertified (real word!) them. I’m especially interested in the adaptations living things make in order to survive in the desert. I’ll also say a bit about my desert experiences. Because I’ve been careful about when, where and how I visit deserts, I wouldn’t call them “desolate,” but inviting.