Undergraduate Course: Physics of Climate (METE10003)
Course Outline
| School |
School of Geosciences |
College |
College of Science and Engineering |
| Course type |
Standard |
Availability |
Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) |
SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) |
Credits |
10 |
| Home subject area |
Meteorology |
Other subject area |
None |
| Course website |
http://www.geos.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/meteorology/PH0032/phys_clim.html |
|
|
| Course description |
The course introduces the principal physics of climate and climate modelling, focussing on Earth. The climate system is so complex that we approach it by constructing models of several different levels of complexity. These models allow us to explain the observed distribution of temperature, in relation to the fluxes of energy and matter through the climate system, and to consider the external and internal factors (both human and natural) which cause climatic change and variablity. |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Delivery period: 2010/11 Semester 2, Available to all students (SV1)
|
WebCT enabled: Yes |
Quota: None |
| Location |
Activity |
Description |
Weeks |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| King's Buildings | Lecture | | 1-11 | | 14:00 - 14:50 | | | | | King's Buildings | Lecture | | 1-11 | | | | | 14:00 - 14:50 |
| First Class |
Week 1, Tuesday, 14:00 - 14:50, Zone: King's Buildings. Lecture - Room 5327, JCMB |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course a student will have a comprehensive and integrated knowledge of the principal physics of climate and climate modelling. They will be able to:
- View the climate systems as one which, although it is far too complex to represent exactly in mathematical terms, may nevertheless be modelled using physical principles.
- Be able to describe the various types of principal and some specialised climate models and understand the uses and limitations of each type. Specifically the student should be familiar with:
o zero-dimensional energy-balance models
o zonal energy balance models,
o one-dimensional radiative-convective models of the atmosphere,
o general circulation models and;
o the components of earth system models
- Write down and solve the equations of a zero-dimensional energy balance model, with various types of feedback
- Interpret, use and evaluate a wide range of numerical and graphical data to set and achieve goals
- Understand the meaning of the term &«Climate sensitivity&ª, calculate it for a zero-dimensional energy balance model and be aware of available evidence for its magnitude
- Extend a zero-dimensional energy balance model to form a zonal energy balance model, by parametrizing the transport of heat between latitudes, solve the resulting equation numerically, either as a simple iterative process or by casting it as a partial differential equation (PDE), and understand what use may be made of such a model
- Understand how a PDE (and hence many climate models) may be solved numerically
- Critically understand how radiation travels through the atmosphere and how it is absorbed and emitted
- Explain in detail how the atmosphere causes the greenhouse effect
- Explain the principles of a general circulation model of the atmosphere and understand what use may be made of such a model
- Understand some of the uses of climate models, such as the understanding of paleoclimates and the prediction of anthropogenic climate change
- Make judgements where data is limited or comes from a range of sources.
The student will also:
- Be familiar with climate history from millennia to recent decades and have a broad understanding of causes of changes
- Understand the origin of predictions of future climate change and its uncertainty
- Be aware of how understanding and knowledge in this subject is developed
- Be able to offer professional level insights and interpretations to issues |
Assessment Information
| Examination |
| Please see Visiting Student Prospectus website for Visiting Student Assessment information |
Special Arrangements
| Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser |
Dr Gabriele Hegerl
Tel:
Email: Gabi.Hegerl@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary |
Mrs Helen Mckeating
Tel: (0131 6)50 5430
Email: Helen.McKeating@ed.ac.uk |
|
copyright 2010 The University of Edinburgh -
1 September 2010 6:20 am
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