Education

ATM OCN 425

AOS 425 - Global Climate Processes

Semesters Taught:

 Fall 2004, 2005, 2006,
Spring 2007, Spring 2008, Fall 2009

Instructor:

 Prof. Galen Mckinley
Room 1511, AO&SS Bldg
1225 West Dayton
Phone: 262-4817
Email: galen at aos.wisc.edu
Office hours: Mondays 4:45 – 6:15,
or by appointment.

Time & Location:

 11:00-12:15 TR
RM 1411 AO&SS Bldg

Required Texts:

1. Marshall, J and R.A. Plumb, 2008, Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate Dynamics: An Introductory Text, Academic Press / Elsevier. 319pp.

2. Alley, R. 2000, The Two-Mile Time Machine, Princeton Univ. Press, 229pp.

Other Recommended
References:

1. Hartmann, D.L., 1994, Global Physical Climatology, Academic Press, 411pp.

2. Holton, J. R., 2004, An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology, 4th ed., Elsevier, New York, 535 pp.

All books have been requested for reserve in the Schwerdtfeger Library.

Prerequisites:

AOS 311, 340, or cons inst. Or permission of instructor.

Course Description:

We develop a mechanistic understanding of the climate system and its capacity for variability and change. Topics considered include: global and local energy balances, atmosphere and ocean general circulations, atmosphere - ocean - land coupling, carbon cycling, climate feedbacks and variability, modeling, and anthropogenic climate change. A climate modeling project is a key component of the course.

This course is highly recommended as an elective for seniors majoring in AOS. Beginning graduate students may also find the course useful.

Grading:

1. Exams (3) 45%
2. Problem sets (5) 20%
3. Climate modeling project 25%
4. Two-Mile reflection paper 5%
5. Class attendance and participation 5%

 

AOS Full Departmental Course Catalog