Earth's Climate Systems

 
This course examines the physical characteristics, processes and controlling mechanisms of Earth's climate system and the patterns of its change across both space and time. Fundamentals of Earth's atmospheric composition, heat budget, motion and water will be covered with a focus on global climate change, regional climate variability and the climate of California. Students will develop and strengthen analytical skills through labs on computer based; processing and analysis of observational data; simple climate change modeling and graphic presentation of analysis to peers and through a culminating research project builds on these skills. Fall.