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.
Global Warming II: Create Your Own Models in Python
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The University of Chicago
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
16 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.
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 Time8m
Week
26 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".
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 Snowball4m
Week
36 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.
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 Elevation10m
Week
411 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.
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 Wave4m
Code Trick: Gyre Circulation with Westward Intensification6m
4.2
13 ReviewsTop Reviews
I would love some more excercises, more modeling concepts. A great experience after all!
A challenging course that gives a basic insight to the world of climate modelling
Instructor
David Archer
ProfessorGeophysical Sciences
About 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.
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Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
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