Objectives: Learn the physical processes behind climate variation around the world to better understand the causes of climate change.
Radiative forcing
Climate feedbacks and heat transport
Past changes in climate and ocean heat uptake
Intended for: This course is intended for those with an interest in the physical aspects of climate variations and change.
It does not require any previous experience of studying the causes of climate change, but high school level mathematics and physics is recommended.
Acquired skills during the training : By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
Reflect on the complexities of the climate system, and be able to put the recently observed, man-made changes in climate in the context of past natural changes.
Explain the underlying physical processes governing climate variations in the past, present and future.
Describe the role of atmosphere and ocean energy transport and their impact on regional variations in climate.
Summarise the main feedback mechanisms in the climate system.
Describe the role of ocean heat uptake for the timescales of response to changes in climate forcing.
Duration and terms: 3 weeks - 4h/w
course availble
Dedicated web site: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/causes-of-climate-change