The Atmosphere, the Ocean, and Environmental Change – Free Course

July 8, 2013

This course explores the physical processes that control Earth’s atmosphere, ocean, and climate.

Quantitative methods for constructing mass and energy budgets. Topics include clouds, rain, severe storms, regional climate, the ozone layer, air pollution, ocean currents and productivity, the seasons, El Niño, the history of Earth’s climate, global warming, energy, and water resources.

Introduction to Atmospheres
Retaining an Atmosphere
The Perfect Gas Law
Vertical Structure of the Atmosphere; Residence Time
Earth Systems Analysis (Tank Experiment)
Greenhouse Effect, Habitability
Hydrostatic Balance
Horizontal Transport
Water in the Atmosphere
Clouds and Precipitation (Cloud Chamber Experiment)
Circulation of the Atmosphere (Exam I review)
Global Climate and the Coriolis Force
Coriolis Force and Storms
Convective Storms
Frontal Cyclones
Seasons and Climate
Seasons and Climate Classification
Ocean Bathymetry and Water Properties
Ocean Water Density and Atmospheric Forcing
Ocean Currents
Ocean Currents and Productivity
El Niño
Ice in the Climate System
Ice and Climate Change
Isotope Evidence for Climate Change
Global Warming
Climate Sensitivity and Human Population
The Two Ozone Problems
The Ozone Layer
Energy Resources, Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy

Textbooks:

Instructor: Ronald B. Smith

Price: Free

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