Global Warming II: Create Your Own Models in Python

About this course: This class provides a series of Python programming exercises intended to explore the use of numerical modeling in the Earth system and climate sciences. The scientific background for these models is presented in a companion class, Global Warming I: The Science and Modeling of Climate Change. This class assumes that you are new to Python programming (and this is indeed a great way to learn Python!), but that you will be able to pick up an elementary knowledge of Python syntax from another class or from on-line tutorials.

Created by:  The University of Chicago

• Taught by:  David Archer, Professor

  Geophysical Sciences

Language English How To Pass Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. User Ratings 4.3 stars Average User Rating 4.3See what learners said Coursework

Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.

Help from your peers

Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.

Certificates

Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.

The University of Chicago One of the world's premier academic and research institutions, the University of Chicago has driven new ways of thinking since our 1890 founding. Today, UChicago is an intellectual destination that draws inspired scholars to our Hyde Park and international campuses, keeping UChicago at the nexus of ideas that challenge and change the world.

Syllabus


WEEK 1


Time-Dependent Energy Balance Model



This class is intended to complement a Coursera class called Global Warming I: The Science and Modeling of Climate Change, which presents much of the background to the material here. In this class you'll be using spreadsheets (maybe) and Python (definitely) to do some simple numerical calculations on topics in Earth System Science. The model you'll be working on this week is based on material from Unit 3 of that class, called First Climate Model.


2 videos, 6 readings expand

1. Video: Welcome
2. Reading: Scripting and Spreadsheets
3. Reading: Tips for Using Spreadsheets for Numerical Simulation
4. Reading: Tips for Getting Started Coding
5. Video: How the Model Works
6. Reading: Model Formulation
7. Reading: How to Solve Using a Spreadsheet
8. Reading: How to Encode into Python or Fortran

Graded: Code Check
Graded: Code Review
Graded: Code Tricks: Heat Capacity, Time Steps, and Equilibration Time

WEEK 2


Iterative Runaway Ice-Albedo Feedback Model



The ideas behind this model were explained in Unit 7, Feedbacks, in Part I of this class. First we get to generate simple linear "parameterization" functions of planetary albedo and the latitude to which ice forms (colder = lower latitude ice). Second, for any given value of the solar constant, L, we'll use iteration to find consistent values of albedo and T, to show the effect of the ice albedo feedback on Earth's temperature, running away to fall into the dreaded "snowball Earth".


1 video, 3 readings expand

1. Video: How the Model Works
2. Reading: Parameterized Relationship Between T, Ice Latitude, and Albedo
3. Reading: Spreadsheet Instructions
4. Reading: Coding Instructions

Graded: Code Check
Graded: Code Review
Graded: Code Trick: Hysteresis Into and Out Of the Snowball

WEEK 3


Ice Sheet Dynamics
Ice flows like extra-thick molasses, downhill. The shape of the ice sheet (altitude versus distance across) is determined by the relationship between ice surface slope and the flow rate of the ice.


1 video, 3 readings expand

1. Video: How the Model Works
2. Reading: Model Formulation
3. Reading: Spreadsheet Tips
4. Reading: Coding

Graded: Code Check
Graded: Code Review
Graded: Code Tricks: Time Steps, Snowfall, and Elevation

WEEK 4


Pressure, Rotation, and Fluid Flow
Planetary rotation and fluid flow were explained in Part I of this class, Unit 6, on Weather and Climate.


1 video, 1 reading expand

1. Video: How the Model Works
2. Reading: Model Description
3. Ungraded Programming: Optional Code Check, Simple Rotation Scheme
4. Ungraded Programming: Optional Code Check, Interpolated Rotation

Graded: Code Check
Graded: Code Review
Graded: Code Trick: Geostrophic Flow and a Drifting Rossby Wave
Graded: Code Trick: Gyre Circulation with Westward Intensification

WEEK 5


A Model of Climate Changes Today
Background for this model was presented in Part I of this class, Unit 9, The Perturbed Carbon Cycle.


1 video, 3 readings expand

1. Video: How the Model Works
2. Reading: Description of the Model Formulation
3. Reading: Tips for Solving in a Spreadsheet
4. Reading: Tips for Encoding

Graded: Code Check
Graded: Code Review
Graded: Code Trick: Aerosol Masking and Our Future