About this course: This class provides a series of Python programming exercises intended to explore the use of numerical modeling in the Earth system and climate sciences. The scientific background for these models is presented in a companion class, Global Warming I: The Science and Modeling of Climate Change. This class assumes that you are new to Python programming (and this is indeed a great way to learn Python!), but that you will be able to pick up an elementary knowledge of Python syntax from another class or from on-line tutorials.
Created by: The University of Chicago
Taught by: David Archer, Professor
Geophysical Sciences
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Time-Dependent Energy Balance Model
This class is intended to complement a Coursera class called Global Warming I: The Science and Modeling of Climate Change, which presents much of the background to the material here. In this class you'll be using spreadsheets (maybe) and Python (definitely) to do some simple numerical calculations on topics in Earth System Science. The model you'll be working on this week is based on material from Unit 3 of that class, called First Climate Model.
2 videos, 6 readings
- Video: Welcome
- Reading: Scripting and Spreadsheets
- Reading: Tips for Using Spreadsheets for Numerical Simulation
- Reading: Tips for Getting Started Coding
- Video: How the Model Works
- Reading: Model Formulation
- Reading: How to Solve Using a Spreadsheet
- Reading: How to Encode into Python or Fortran
Graded: Code Check
Graded: Code Review
Graded: Code Tricks: Heat Capacity, Time Steps, and Equilibration Time
WEEK 2
Iterative Runaway Ice-Albedo Feedback Model
The ideas behind this model were explained in Unit 7, Feedbacks, in Part I of this class. First we get to generate simple linear "parameterization" functions of planetary albedo and the latitude to which ice forms (colder = lower latitude ice). Second, for any given value of the solar constant, L, we'll use iteration to find consistent values of albedo and T, to show the effect of the ice albedo feedback on Earth's temperature, running away to fall into the dreaded "snowball Earth".
1 video, 3 readings
- Video: How the Model Works
- Reading: Parameterized Relationship Between T, Ice Latitude, and Albedo
- Reading: Spreadsheet Instructions
- Reading: Coding Instructions
Graded: Code Check
Graded: Code Review
Graded: Code Trick: Hysteresis Into and Out Of the Snowball
WEEK 3
Ice Sheet Dynamics
Ice flows like extra-thick molasses, downhill. The shape of the ice sheet (altitude versus distance across) is determined by the relationship between ice surface slope and the flow rate of the ice.
1 video, 3 readings
- Video: How the Model Works
- Reading: Model Formulation
- Reading: Spreadsheet Tips
- Reading: Coding
Graded: Code Check
Graded: Code Review
Graded: Code Tricks: Time Steps, Snowfall, and Elevation
WEEK 4
Pressure, Rotation, and Fluid Flow
Planetary rotation and fluid flow were explained in Part I of this class, Unit 6, on Weather and Climate.
1 video, 1 reading
- Video: How the Model Works
- Reading: Model Description
- Ungraded Programming: Optional Code Check, Simple Rotation Scheme
- Ungraded Programming: Optional Code Check, Interpolated Rotation
Graded: Code Check
Graded: Code Review
Graded: Code Trick: Geostrophic Flow and a Drifting Rossby Wave
Graded: Code Trick: Gyre Circulation with Westward Intensification
WEEK 5
A Model of Climate Changes Today
Background for this model was presented in Part I of this class, Unit 9, The Perturbed Carbon Cycle.
1 video, 3 readings
- Video: How the Model Works
- Reading: Description of the Model Formulation
- Reading: Tips for Solving in a Spreadsheet
- Reading: Tips for Encoding
Graded: Code Check
Graded: Code Review
Graded: Code Trick: Aerosol Masking and Our Future
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Ratings and Reviews
Very good content, learned a lot, notably in Python. Practical.
I would love some more excercises, more modeling concepts. A great experience after all!
As far as I know, this course is unique: it is the only one that lets you build your knowledge of modeling climate change by building your own models. I'm giving it 4, not 5, as the forums are very quiet. Prof. Archer has done a great job of providing infrastructure so students can focus on the physics. Assessment is a combination of a grader, to check your code in particular cases, peer review, and quizzes that will be easy if you code works. You can probably bluff your way through the quizzes, but it's easier to get your code working and then read off the answers to the questions. Peer reviews also give you a chance to see how other students have solved the problems.
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BJ
Really interesting and a good way to learn Python even if we don't have any experience with programming. Grecommended!