2018/19 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE3410 Atmosphere and Ocean Climate Change Processes

10 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Prof Ian Brooks
Email: i.m.brooks@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2018/19

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Students will be taught about the physical coupling and feedback of significant atmospheric and ocean processes currently thought responsible for the observed rapid changes in the Earths climate. For students taking this module, a basic understanding of meteorology and climate change is recommended.Through lecture series that encompasses: Atmosphere radiative transfer through high and low level clouds and the physical implications of aerosols on climate; atmospheric circulation, surface ocean/terrestrial/biosphere exchange processes, greenhouse gas fluxes; implications of sea ice extent and sea level change, deep convection and mixed layer dynamics on ocean heat budgets and the breakdown of the thermohaline circulation.This module is taught through lectures and tutorial supported self study that utilises a simple climate model through a web interface to investigate the efffects of different processes.This module is taught in semester 1 and is assessed by an assignment and two hour examination.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to understand:

1. The coupling and feedback systems between the atmosphere and ocean that is driving energy transfer and climate change.
2. Concepts of surface exchange of heat fluxes and greenhouse gas transfer between atmosphere/land/ocean/biosphere.
3. The role of clouds in the climate system, including their effect on radiation and energy transfer.
4. How clouds are parametrised in climate models and the very large uncertainties in their effect on climate change.
5. The response of the upper oceans mixed layer and water mass formation to air-sea fluxes in a changing atmospheric/ocean system and its effect on the thermohaline circulation.
6. The scientific aspects, predictions and consequences of the recession of sea ice on global sea levels.

Students will learn how these complex processes are simplified in order to represent/parameterise them in global climate models run over centennial timescales and appreciate what limits the reliability of the models.

Syllabus

Students will be taught about the physical coupling and feedback of significant atmospheric and ocean processes currently thought responsible for the observed rapid changes in the Earth's climate. For students taking this module, a basic understanding of meteorology and climate change is recommended.

Through a lecture series that encompasses: Atmosphere radiative transfer through high and low level clouds and the physical implications of aerosols on climate; Atmospheric circulation, surface ocean/terrestrial/biosphere exchange processes, greenhouse gas fluxes; Implications of sea ice (sea levels), deep convection and mixed layer dynamics on ocean heat budgets and the breakdown of the thermohaline circulation.

The module is taught through lecture series and tutorial supported self study that utilises online computer models.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
On-line Learning	1	3.00	3.00
Revision Class	1	2.00	2.00
Lecture	15	1.00	15.00
Private study hours			80.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

- Reading: 40 hours;
- Revision: 40 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Assignment: Case studies and problems solving based on class material and use of numerical model.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Exercises and 1,000 word report	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		40.00

Climate Modelling: For MEnv students taking this module as part of SOEE5685M and for students on the MRes Climate and Atmospheric Science programme there is an extended version of this exercise.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		60.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 26/04/2017

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD