2007 Handbooks

As the Earth's climate changes due to the greenhouse effect, El Nino-Southern Oscillation, tropical deforestation, etc, our understanding of the mechanisms of climate change becomes more important. This unit takes a global perspective of the climate system and explores the causes of climate change. The roles of the atmosphere, ocean, biosphere and cryosphere are explained and linked to develop an understanding of how the Earth's climate operates as an integrated system. The main tool for predicting climate change within this integrated system, the climate model, is introduced (largely non-mathematically). Simulations from these global climate models of current and future climates are presented to illustrate the relationship between our understanding of the climate system and the uncertainties inherent in our prediction of future climate changes.

A significant portion of this unit can be undertaken flexibly by students with access to the Internet.