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Academic Year 2002/2003
Climate Change and Atmostpheric Chemistry: Role of CO2 in Climate
E&ES 359 FA
The climate of the earth has always been changing during earth history. In this class we look at what determines climate (climate physics), what determines weather (distribution of heat on the earth), and provide a
short
review of the main climatic changes through the 4.5 billion years of earth history. We then switch to the main topic of the course: CO2 and modern global climate change. The role of CO2 in earth processes is very large
relative to the modest quantities of it that are present in the atmosphere. We will study all aspects of the chemistry and biology of CO2 (broadly the carbon cycle of all its loops) with experimental classes that use
our
CO2 monitoring facility. We will carry out experiments on temporal variations in CO2 in the Middletown atmosphere, spatial atmospheric CO2, variations around Middletown (forest versus swamp versus town) and CO2 uptake
in
water. We will discuss empirical evidence for modern global warming, and engage in some limited climate modeling with simple computer programs. We will discuss the attempts of the global community to limit
anthropogenic
CO2 emissions (e.g., Kyoto protocol) and with our computer routine we will model future climate given some economic scenarios.
MAJOR READINGS
Selected readings from textbooks, articles, and on-line accounts, plus handouts. E&ES majors with a strong interest in climate science should consider buying Ruddiman: EARTH CLIMATE- PAST AND FUTURE
EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
midterm exam, project, lab report
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS
To enjoy this class, you should have a basic understanding of the earth (E&ES 101 and/or 199, latter required) and preferably a background in Geochemistry (E&ES 280), although basic Intro Chemistry will do. Professor
Gary Yohe (Economics) will teach a
module in this class on future economic scenarios, the Kyoto treaty, and "adaptation versus mitigation" to Climate Change. You should enjoy a hands-on approach in monitoring CO2 in various settings, grow plants under
different CO2 conditions, etc. and no
t be too scared for computer modelling (no prior experience required, but knowledge of Excel is always good).
This is an elective course for E&ES majors and a 'concentration course' for Environmental Studies
Certificate program students.
COURSE FORMAT:
Lecture
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Level:
UGRD
Credit:
1
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NSM E&ES
Grading Mode:
Graded
Prerequisites:
E&ES 199
SECTION 01
- Instructor(s): Varekamp,Johan C.
- Times: .M.W... 11:00AM-12:20PM; Location: SCIE317
- Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: UNL)
- SR. major: Jr. major:
- SR. non-major: Jr. non-major: SO: FR:
Special Attributes:
- Curricular Renewal: Quantitative Reasoning, Writing
Links to Web Resources For This Course.
Last Updated on MAR-18-2003
Contact
wesmaps@wesleyan.edu
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Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459