Global Warming: Science & Modeling

This module provides an overview of what will be covered in the class.

This module provides a primer on using units to describe temperature, energy, and light. It covers the basics of heat, energy, and light concepts.

This module introduces the first simple climate model, including the concept of energy balance and a simple greenhouse effect.

This module explores the selective absorption of infrared light by greenhouse gases and the band saturation effect.

This module examines the physics responsible for keeping the upper atmosphere cold, including atmospheric temperature structure and pressure concepts.

This module explores heat transport in the atmosphere and oceans, including concepts like Coriolis acceleration and geostrophic motion.

This module covers climate feedbacks, including ice albedo, water vapor, clouds, and aerosols. It also introduces the concept of climate sensitivity.

This module explores the carbon cycle through land, oceans, and the deep earth, including concepts like the weathering CO2 thermostat and fossil fuel formation.

This module examines the effects of burning fossil fuels on the carbon cycle, including future emissions forecasting and the long-term impacts of CO2.

This module explores evidence for human impact on climate, including temperature records and paleoclimate proxy measurements.

This module focuses on potential impacts of continued CO2 emissions, including effects on weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems.

This final module considers options for mitigating human impact on Earth's climate, including stabilization scenarios, geoengineering, and economic aspects of climate change.