Syllabus: ATM OCN 425
Global Climate Processes (3 credits)
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Time and
Location
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9:30-10:45 TR
Rm 1411 AO&SS Bldg
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Textbook(s)
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I. Hartman, D.L., 1994, "Global Physical Climatology", Academic Press, 411pp. (QC981.H32 1994).
Other References:
1. Holton, J. R., 1992, "An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology", 3rd ed., Academic Press, San Diego, CA, 511 pp. (QC 880 H65 1992)
2. Peixoto, J. P. & A. H. Oort, 1992, "Physics of Climate", American Institute of Physics, New York. 520 pp. (QC 981 P434 1992)
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Grading
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1. Exams (3)
2. Problem sets (bi-weekly)
3. Attendance at seminars and written summaries (4)
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Course Description
We develop a mechanistic understanding of the climate system: global energy balances, atmosphere and ocean general circulation, carbon cycling, climate feedbacks and variability. Junior AOS core dynamics and physics are applied to quantitatively understand large-scale climate processes. ENSO, climate modeling, natural climate variability, and anthropogenic climate change are discussed. Appropriate for seniors and graduate students. P: Atm Ocn 311, 340, cons inst, or permission of instructor.
Course Content
Key elements of the course are:
1. Global energy balance (2 weeks)
2. General circulation of the atmosphere and ocean (3 weeks)
3. Atmosphere - Land - Ocean coupling (2 weeks) 4. Climate feedbacks (2 weeks)
5. Current issues and important phenomena, including El Niño / Southern Oscillation, Climate modeling, Natural climate variability, Anthropogenic climate change (5 weeks)
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