Time Schedule:
Dennis L Hartmann
ATM S 321
Seattle Campus
Evolution and present state of earth's climate. Emphasis on physical processes determining the climate of the earth's atmosphere and surface: radiative transfer, energy balance, hydrologic cycle, and atmospheric and oceanic energy transport. Factors controlling climate change. Prerequisite: minimum of grade of 2.0 each of MATH 124; MATH 125; MATH 126; PHYS 121; PHYS 122; PHYS 123. Offered: Sp.
Class description
Students will learn how the global climate of the earth is maintained through physical processes, including the roles of energy and moisture, atmospheric circulation, and atmosphere-ocean interaction. Past climates will be studied and the succession of ice ages and interglacials in the past will be described and physical explanations considered. Global warming will be investigated in the context of the understanding of the physical climate system gained through the course.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
The format of the class is lecture/discussion. Problem sets will be assigned on a weekly basis.
Recommended preparation
The course is for science majors. College calculus and physics are required. It would be helpful to have taken ATM S 301 or some other course in atmospheric sciences, but for the scientifically literate student, this is not an absolute necessity.
Class assignments and grading
Students need to study the textbook, which was written by the professor specifically for this course. Weekly problem sets are assigned from the text written by the professor. They should take an hour or two a week.
Homework/Participation 25% Bi-weekly quizzes 25% Mid-Term Exam 20% Final Examination 30%
