The course is designed to introduce the fundamental concepts underlying our current understanding of the climate system. The science of climate includes basic radiation physics and dynamics, which are the basis of modern climate modelling. The changes in the radiation energy budget will be examined in terms of natural variability and anthropogenic activities, in particular, greenhouse gases and their sources and sinks. Underlying physical processes that shape our climate will be explored e.g. solar variability, orbital mechanics, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, and volcanic and atmospheric aerosols. In addition, the types of climate modelling experiments performed with modern climate models and scenarios will be reviewed by focusing on the evidence for past and present climate change. The latest projections of future climate on a variety of temporal and spatial scales will also be presented and evaluated. This course is aimed at connecting the essentials of climate science and modelling, and training students to interpret the results of modelling experiments.
Note: This is a mandatory course for the students in the Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation field of study.