Introduction to the earth's climate from a
physical, earth-systems perspective. Prehistoric
and historic fluctuations in the earth's climate,
the current climate system, and projections for
future climate and climate impacts. Topics will
include the radiative balance of the earth's
atmosphere, the greenhouse effect, albedo,
aerosols, clouds, climate feedbacks, ocean
circulation, climate variability including El Nino
and the Pacific decadal oscillation, the carbon
cycle, paleoclimate proxy records, ocean
acidification, and climate models. We will examine
some responses to climate change, including
geoengineering, adaptation, and mitigation. Weekly
laboratory exercises with climate data
observations and models (computer-based), and
physical mechanisms (lab- and field-based).
Lecture and lab.