ATM3251

Climate change and variability

(SCI)

Professor Peter Kershaw, Associate Professor Nigel Tapper, Associate Professor David Mercer, Professor David Karoly, Associate Professor Jim Peterson and Dr Simon Haberle

6 points + Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour practical per fortnight + First semester + Clayton + Prerequisite: 16 points of second-year atmospheric science or a second-year sequence in geography and environmental science or permission + Prohibitions: GES3860

Synopsis: A multidisciplinary approach to the nature, causes and future implications of climatic change and variability. Emphasis placed on processes such as rapid climate change, Greenhouse warming, monsoon activity and the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon which are of greatest global concern. Contributions of fossil, historical and instrumental data are critically assessed and social, economic, political and broad environmental implications of predicted future changes are evaluated. Analysis of tree rings forms a core of field and practical work.

Assessment: Written (2000 words): 30% + Examinations (1.5 hours): 40% + Practical fieldwork and laboratory work: 30%