Module GEOG2571: GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

Department: GEOGRAPHY

GEOG2571: GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To provide a sound theoretical understanding of the role of the various components of the climate system, and how and why this has changed through time.
• Emphasis is placed on spatial and temporal scales in the modern system before exploring the evidence for past change, possible mechanisms to explain these changes, and the implications of these changes to past, present, and future global climates.
• This module will build on the knowledge of the Earth's climate system gained at Level 1.

Content

• Concepts in climatology, general circulation of the atmosphere and oceans, the influence of the thermohaline circulation on global climate.
• The importance of biogeochemical cycles in the climate system with particular reference to the ' carbon pump'.
• Introduction to temporal and spatial scales in the climate system, ranging from 100s of millions of years to annual temporal scales, and from global to local spatial scales.
• The quantitative revolution - palaeo - reconstructions and climate models.
• the use of transfer functions in quantitative reconstruction of sea surface temperatures, recent advances in our understanding of the climate system based on Global Circulation Models.
• Mechanisms of change - Milankovitch Theory and the role of oceans in the glacial - interglacial cyclicity of the past several million years, from sub - millennial to decadal climate change during the last glacial cycle, the role of solar radiation in climate change, natural vs,.
• Anthropogenic variability.
• The science of Global Warming, implications of change, global policy.

Learning Outcomes

• Students are expected to be able to: Appreciate the complexity, and identify the major components of the climate system.
• Demonstrate awareness of past patterns of climate change operating on different spatial and temporal scales.
• Recognise the impact on the climate system at different spatial and temporal scales of current human activities.
• Assess the merits of contrasting theories, explanations and policies, critically judging and evaluating evidence.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The core of the material is presented during 25 hours of lectures, supported with handouts and comprehensive reading lists.
• Key concepts will be introduced in lectures then followed up and discussed in more detail during tutorials.
• Independent learning will be facilitated by asking students to investigate important aspects of the climate system for the 5 seminars (1 hour each).
• The main (67%) element of assessment is a two hour, unseen written paper, this will test the understanding of basic facts and concepts covered in the course.
• The rest of the assessment is based on an individual project report.
• The project will involve analysis of specific data made available to students by the teaching staff.
• Students will be encouraged to supplement this data with other available sources.
• The project will be assessed by a report including the data analysis and interpretation and a written report of 1000 words.
• This will test the students' individual learning and research skills - ability to analyse of data, investigate material from a range of sources, and combine these to form a consistent and concise argument.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

In line with Board of Studies policy for all Level 2 optional modules, formative assessment is provided through formative feedback on summative coursework.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University