Introduction to the Arctic: Climate

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/arctic-introduction-climate

Introduction

### Course Review: Introduction to the Arctic: Climate In an era where climate change is at the forefront of global discussions, understanding the intricate systems that govern our planet has never been more critical. Coursera's course titled **"Introduction to the Arctic: Climate,"** presented by the collaborative expertise of the University of Alberta, the University of Tromsø, and the University of the Arctic, offers a comprehensive and insightful dive into one of Earth’s most vulnerable regions—the Arctic. This four-week course provides learners with a nuanced understanding of the unique environments and climatic conditions characteristic of the circumpolar North. #### Course Overview From the very outset, the course examines the fascinating and stark beauty of the Arctic environment. It begins with an exploration of regional geography, setting a strong foundation for understanding the relationship between its inhabitants and the surrounding ecosystems. This initial exploration captivates learners with captivating imagery and thought-provoking discourse about the Arctic's natural charm as well as its inherent challenges. **Syllabus Breakdown:** 1. **Arctic Environments:** The journey starts with an overview of the remarkable northern regions of the Earth. Participants will appreciate how diverse the Arctic is, not only in terms of its stunning landscapes but also its rich biodiversity and cultural significance. The nuanced approach taken here underscores the symbiotic relationships between the peoples of the Arctic and their natural surroundings. 2. **Climate Systems:** Learners will delve into the complex mechanisms governing Arctic climate, with an emphasis on solar energy reception, atmospheric circulation, and the natural greenhouse effect. This module elegantly contrasts natural greenhouse processes with human-induced changes as a result of industrialization and anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. 3. **The Cryosphere:** The focus shifts to the cryosphere—arguably one of the most critical components of Arctic studies. This segment unpacks the formation and significance of various ice types, including sea ice, glaciers, and permafrost. Understanding the cryosphere's relationships with the atmosphere and ocean sharpens participants' understanding of its crucial role in combating climate change. 4. **Implications of Climate Change:** The final module lays bare the ramifications of a changing climate on the Arctic environment, wildlife, and human populations. As industrial human activity continues to impact the region, this lesson highlights the urgent need for awareness and action, fostering discussions on how these impacts resonate globally. #### Recommendations **Who Should Enroll:** This course is ideal for a broad audience—from students and professional researchers to anyone with a keen interest in environmental science, geography, or climate studies. It serves as a vital introduction for those looking to understand global warming's effects, particularly in the Arctic, which is considered a bellwether for climate change. **Learning Experience:** Coursera’s platform enhances the learning experience through interactive video lectures, curated readings, and discussion forums, allowing students to engage actively with the material and fellow learners. The content is thoughtfully designed, making complex scientific ideas accessible without diluting their significance. **Final Thoughts:** "Introduction to the Arctic: Climate" is an intellectually stimulating course that blends scientific rigor with a sense of urgency regarding climate change. It successfully articulates why the Arctic is a critical area of study, not just for those living in the region but for the entire global community. Participants will emerge with a robust understanding of the Arctic's climate systems and the pressing need for sustainable practices to protect this remarkable environment. In conclusion, if you're eager to explore the wonders of the Arctic and understand the broader implications of climate change, this course should be at the top of your list. Join now, and become part of the conversation about the future of our planet’s North!

Syllabus

Arctic Environments

This course is about the remarkable northern regions of the earth, the Arctic! Although sometimes considered remote and dangerous, the Arctic is home to many peoples, along with the ecosystems that they coexist with. Researchers from many fields, both scientists and non-scientists, study this vast circumpolar region to understand the environment, peoples, animals, economies, and resources. You’ll soon learn about the environments (the characteristics of the natural world) and climate (the prevailing atmospheric, oceanic and ice conditions) of the world’s North.

In this lesson we’ll learn about the climate of the Arctic, and the way the climate interacts with the rest of the Earth system. In Lesson 1, we saw how the Earth receives energy from the sun and how heat is trapped on our planet through the natural greenhouse effect. We will now discuss how this energy is distributed throughout the globe and how it is transferred from the tropics to the poles via the large-scale circulation systems of the atmosphere and the ocean. We’ll learn the difference between the natural and the human-induced greenhouse effect - driven by the input of greenhouse gases created by burning fossil fuels, such as carbon dioxide and methane - and discuss what the future holds for the Arctic’s climate. As you will see, the global climate system is tightly linked and climate change in the Arctic also strongly affects temperate latitudes.

In this lesson, we’ll be learning about the Arctic cryosphere, which is the portion of the Earth’s surface where water occurs in solid forms. Such as snow and ice! In Lesson 2, we talked about atmospheric and oceanic circulation. Now we will learn about when and how ice forms on the surface of the Earth, including such topics as: sea ice, river ice, glaciers , and permafrost. How all this ice formed on the ocean and on (and in) the land? How it relates to the atmosphere and ocean?

In this lesson, we’ll be learning about the implications of climate change. Through the first 3 lessons, we’ve learned a great deal about the Arctic environment. This environment is rapidly changing, largely due to industrial human activity throughout the world. You’ll remember the natural greenhouse effect that we discussed in Lesson 1. Carbon dioxide and water vapour are among the naturally occurring greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. They trap outgoing longwave radiation, raising the average temperature of the Earth. We will learn and discuss how sea ice and glaciers react to changes in our atmosphere and oceans. We will then discuss the implications of the changing environment on ecosystems, wildlife and humans.