The Earth's Climate System

This course introduces an integrative view of the Earth's climate system and its coupled components - the atmosphere, the oceans, the cryosphere, the biosphere, and the geosphere - and how they interact with each other. The goal is to provide the physical scientific background that is needed to understand climate variability and climate change, both natural and anthropogenic. Topics include energy balance; general circulation of the atmosphere and the oceans; the greenhouse effect; modes of variability such as El Nino; geologic-scale climate change in the geologic past; climate models; climate change detection and attribution; projection of future climates; and societal impacts. In addition to lectures, students will gain hands-on experience analyzing and interpreting real datasets through inquiry-based "practicum" exercises and in-class discussions. Prerequisites: EEPS 202 or permission from the instructor.
Course Attributes: FA NSM; BU SCI; AR NSM; AS NSM

The Earth's Climate System

EARTH, ENVIRONMENTAL & PLANETARY SCIENCE 586

Section 01