The course aims at providing an up-to-date introduction to fundamental physical and bio-geo-chemical mechanisms defining the climate and climate variations on Earth. The following topics are covered:
- Blackbody radiation, the planetary energy balance, and the greenhouse effect.
- Recent global warming and future climate scenarios.
- The concepts of radiative forcing, feedbacks, and climate sensitivity.
- The major atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns.
- The role of the cryosphere in the climate system and changes in sea level.
- Plate tectonics and its impact on Earth’s climate.
- The major components and mechanisms of the organic and inorganic carbon cycles.
- Quaternary climate variability on orbital, millennial, and annual time scales.
- Past, present, and future abrupt climate change and tipping elements of the climate system.
Application procedure
Self Service at KUnet
Learning outcomes
The aim of the course is to provide an overview of the physical and bio-geo-chemical climate system, to put recent global warming into a paleo-climatic context, and to qualify the student to discuss and assess future climate scenarios.
Knowledge
- Basic physical understanding of the major elements of the Earth climate system and their interaction.
- Mechanisms of Quaternary climate and climate variability on various time scales.
- Understanding of the causes for recent global warming and knowledge of future climate scenarios
Skills
- Ability to put recent global warming into a paleo-climatic context.
- Distinguish between gradual and abrupt climate change and impacts of climate change.
- Present a topic on climate change in a well-structured, logical, and scientifically correct form.
Competences
- Provide qualified contributions to discussions on climate change mechanisms.
- Ability to critically read and understand recent physical science literature on climate change.
- Form an opinion of the need for actions to limit the impacts of future climate change.
Prerequisites
Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
Files/Documents
ISCED Categories
Conservation and environmental management
Physical and chemical oceanography