Course Details

To better understand the key factors that control the earth’s present and future climate, this course begins with an examination of episodes in the earth’s past when extreme climate conditions existed. Dramatic changes in the earth’s climate have resulted from natural variations in solar insolation, atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, rates and pathways of ocean circulation, plate tectonics, and the evolution of vascular plants and, in modern times, the burning of fossil fuels. The impact of these factors on modern and future climate through interactions between the atmosphere, oceans and land will then be evaluated. The class will utilize lectures, in-class problem solving, discussion of scientific papers and weekly homework assignments to learn the material at both a qualitative and quantitative level.