Catalog Description: The course presents a conceptual basis for understanding of the workings of the global climate system, and how they conspire to bring about change. The goal is to give the student a climate dynamics basis for understanding global climate change. Covered topics include observations of the climate system; the earth's energy balance; atmospheric radiative transfer; atmospheric circulation; the role of the ocean and the cryosphere; climate variability on various timescales; climate feedbacks and climate change.
Units: 4.0
Prerequisites: Concepts in physics are used in the text, so knowledge at the level of first course in undergraduate physics is recommended; you should have at least taken physics at high school level.
Formats:
Fall and/or Spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Grading Basis: Letter
Final Exam Status: Final exam required