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.
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Global Warming II: Create Your Own Models in Python
The University of ChicagoAbout this Course
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Approx. 32 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: French, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, English, Spanish
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Approx. 32 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: French, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, English, Spanish
Offered by
The University of Chicago
One of the world's premier academic and research institutions, the University of Chicago has driven new ways of thinking since our 1890 founding. Today, UChicago is an intellectual destination that draws inspired scholars to our Hyde Park and international campuses, keeping UChicago at the nexus of ideas that challenge and change the world.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
6 hours to complete
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.
6 hours to complete
2 videos (Total 7 min), 6 readings, 3 quizzes
6 readings
Scripting and Spreadsheets10m
Tips for Using Spreadsheets for Numerical Simulation10m
Tips for Getting Started Coding10m
Model Formulation10m
How to Solve Using a Spreadsheet10m
How to Encode into Python or Fortran10m
1 practice exercise
Code Tricks: Heat Capacity, Time Steps, and Equilibration Time30m
5 hours to complete
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".
5 hours to complete
1 video (Total 5 min), 3 readings, 3 quizzes
1 video
3 readings
Parameterized Relationship Between T, Ice Latitude, and Albedo10m
Spreadsheet Instructions10m
Coding Instructions10m
1 practice exercise
Code Trick: Hysteresis Into and Out Of the Snowball30m
5 hours to complete
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.
5 hours to complete
1 video (Total 5 min), 3 readings, 3 quizzes
1 video
3 readings
Model Formulation10m
Spreadsheet Tips10m
Coding10m
1 practice exercise
Code Tricks: Time Steps, Snowfall, and Elevation30m
11 hours to complete
Pressure, Rotation, and Fluid Flow
Planetary rotation and fluid flow were explained in Part I of this class, Unit 6, on Weather and Climate.
11 hours to complete
1 video (Total 7 min), 1 reading, 6 quizzes
1 video
1 reading
Model Description10m
2 practice exercises
Code Trick: Geostrophic Flow and a Drifting Rossby Wave30m
Code Trick: Gyre Circulation with Westward Intensification30m
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM GLOBAL WARMING II: CREATE YOUR OWN MODELS IN PYTHON
by AHApr 13, 2020
Great course for those who want to learn a little more about modelling, python and the climate!
by ISFeb 15, 2017
I would love some more excercises, more modeling concepts. A great experience after all!
by SKJan 17, 2018
A challenging course that gives a basic insight to the world of climate modelling
by ASJun 18, 2016
Really good course. Short, content-filled lectures and practical application!
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