NFYA04033U Simple Climate Models
The purpose of the course is to gain basic understanding of the
various component of the climate system. The course gives a basic
overview of the climate. We encourage all students in physics to
join the course and gain a basic understanding of our climate
system.
The energy balance and heat transport on the Planet Earth
Large scale ocean circulation
Glacial periods and ice sheet dynamics
Interactions between the major elements in the climate system:, the
atmoshere, the ocean, the ice sheets and the biogeochemical system.
The first three weeks will contain introductory lectures and
exercises of simple atmosphere, ocean and ice sheet models and
their interactions. Emphasis is placed on models that are suited
for the computer exercises that start after these weeks. After the
first three weeks groups of 2-3 students will be formed and each
group will choose a particular exam modelling project. The groups
will work on their projects during the remaining exercise hours of
the course. We recommend the computer language MATLAB for the
modelling. During these last four weeks, supplementary lectures
will be presented each week in collaboration with invited
speakers.
Skills
- understand the role of the atmosphere, ocean and ice sheet in the climate system
- describe the climate evolution of the Earth (snowball Earth, greenhouse Earth, glacial cycle, global warming)
- use simple models to describe the interaction between atmosphere, ocean and ice sheets
- write a computer program
- program the simple models using a computer language (like MATLAB)
- present and discuss the computer model results in a report
Knowledge
During the course, simple models for the Earth's climate system
will be presented. Emphasis will be placed upon physical and
biogeochemical interactions and feedbacks between atmosphere,
ocean, and ice sheet components of this system. Some subjects that
will be covered will be energy balance and heat transport, large
scale ocean circulation and carbon cycling, and glacial periods and
ice sheet dynamics.
Competences
Through this course, the students will see how modeling can be used
to obtain understanding about a topic such as climate. The student
will be competent in using and extrapolation knowledge from these
models. Modelling in general has application in a wide range of
fields within physics.
Notes and articles.
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 36
- Practical exercises
- 12
- Preparation
- 140
- Project work
- 18
- Total
- 206
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- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Written assignmentA written report based on the computerproject
- Aid
- All aids allowed
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
- Exam period
- More internal examiners
Criteria for exam assesment
The highest grade, 12, is achieved, if all skills are demonstrated in the exam modelling report with none or only few errors.
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NFYA04033U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 1
- Schedule
- B (Mon 8-12 + Tues 13-17 + Fri 8-12)
- Course capacity
- No restriction to number of participants
- Continuing and further education
- Study board
- Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience
Contracting department
- The Niels Bohr Institute
Course responsibles
- Christine Schøtt Hvidberg (2-666b4371656c316e7831676e)