ESS-32306 Earth System Modelling

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Lectures24
Practical intensively supervised56
Tutorial16
Course coordinator(s)dr. ir. LN Ganzeveld
Lecturer(s)prof. dr. W Peters
dr. ir. LN Ganzeveld
dr. RWA Hutjes
Examiner(s)dr. ir. LN Ganzeveld

Language of instruction:

Dutch and/or English

Assumed knowledge on:

ESS-31806 Biogeochemical Cycles

Contents:

This course aims at an introduction into the opportunities and limitations involved in the application of models that integrate the various Earth system components (atmosphere, oceans, cryosphere, pedosphere and human dimension) to study the relevance and role of these components in past, present and future climate and global change.
- introduction to modeling of geo-physical, biogeochemical and atmospheric chemical processes and their interactions in system Earth;
- use of observations, e.g., paleoclimatological or remote sensing data, to develop model components and to evaluate the role of the Earth system components;
- global insolation, energy balances, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, ocean-atmosphere-, land-atmosphere- and cryosphere-atmosphere coupling, atmospheric chemistry, anthropogenic perturbations; - development of a simple global C model, simple climate models, Gaia, Budyko, atmospheric chemistry models, non-linear dynamical systems;
- earth system models like EMIC (Earth system Models of Intermediate Complexity); Integrated assessment models.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course the student is expected to be able to:
- demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the interactions between geo-physical, biogeochemical and atmospheric chemical processes at relevant spatial and temporal scales;
- demonstrate insight in the availability and use of measurements to develop model components to and evaluate the role of Earth system components;
- apply numerical approaches and characterize these in terms of precision, stability, etc.;
- demonstrate understanding of basic concepts of earth system modeling and apply these across the full range of model complexity, from simple linear box models to fully 3D earth system models that couple atmosphere, ocean, terrestrial biosphere and human society;
- apply concepts like model sensitivity, feedbacks, equilibria and non-linear behavior; - to select the appropriate Earth system models to address specific research questions.

Activities:

- classroom teaching;
- development of and working with global climate / earth system models.

Examination:

Regular exam and computer simulation assignments.

Literature:

- A Climate Modelling Primer, K. McGuffie & A. Henderson-Sellers
- Addional reader.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Restricted Optional for: MCLClimate StudiesMSc4WD
MCLClimate StudiesMSc4WD
MCLClimate StudiesMSc4WD
MCLClimate StudiesMSc4WD