Introduction to Earth's climate system: radiation balance, greenhouse effect, atmosphere and ocean circulation, plate tectonics, biosphere interactions, and the carbon cycle. Applications to understand the causes of climate change, from long-term climate evolution to modern human-induced climate change.
Faculty: Science
Subject: Earth and Ocean Sciences
Year / Level: 1
Theme(s): Climate Science
Description
In this course, we will explore environmental physics, chemistry, and biology to explain what we know about the complexity of the Earth system and climate change on our planet.
Learning Objectives
Upon completing of this course, students will be able to:
- DESCRIBE how Earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere comprise an integrated system driven by a continuous supply of energy
- EXPLAIN the primary factors determining Earth’s climate
- EVALUATE evidence and hypotheses explaining why Earth’s climate changes on different time scales
- COMPARE today’s climate to the climate of the past
- Using scientific principles and evidence, EVALUATE information about climate change
EXPLORE
Check SSC to see if the course is currently offered and if you meet pre-requisites etc.
SYLLABUS
Read a copy of the course syllabus to see reading lists, assignments, grading, and more.
"I approach the study of oceanic processes from both observational and theoretical perspectives."