Global Warming II: Create Your Own Models in Python

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/global-warming-model

Introduction

### Course Review: Global Warming II: Create Your Own Models in Python #### Overview In an era where climate change is at the forefront of global discourse, understanding the mechanics behind climate modeling is crucial. The Coursera course, **Global Warming II: Create Your Own Models in Python**, offers a practical and theoretical approach to delving into this pressing issue through the lens of programming and numerical modeling. Designed to accompany the foundational course, **Global Warming I: The Science and Modeling of Climate Change**, this course invites learners with minimal Python experience to explore the powerful intersection of coding and climate sciences. #### Course Structure This course is structured around several impactful modules that build upon the scientific theories introduced in the companion course. The syllabus includes: 1. **Time-Dependent Energy Balance Model**: Students begin by constructing and manipulating a simplified climate model through Python, focusing on the energy balance of Earth's climate system. This foundational exercise equips learners with the necessary skills to perform basic numerical calculations relevant to Earth System Science. 2. **Iterative Runaway Ice-Albedo Feedback Model**: This module introduces the crucial concept of feedback mechanisms in climate systems, specifically how the Earth's albedo can lead to catastrophic climate scenarios such as the "snowball Earth." The iterative method reinforces the connection between theoretical models and real-world outcomes. 3. **Ice Sheet Dynamics**: Understanding how ice sheets flow over time is essential for predicting future changes in sea level and climate. This module provides insight into the physics of ice movement, emphasizing the relationship between surface slope and flow rate, key for climatological predictions. 4. **Pressure, Rotation, and Fluid Flow**: Here, students explore the effects of Earth's rotation on atmospheric and oceanic fluid dynamics. This segment is particularly engaging as it combines fundamental scientific principles with practical coding exercises. 5. **A Model of Climate Changes Today**: The final module synthesizes the learned concepts to address contemporary climate issues, using models based on the perturbed carbon cycle. This exemplifies how historical data and present conditions can be analyzed through numerical methods. #### Course Recommendations **Who is this course for?** - **Beginners in Python**: If you're new to Python or programming in general, this course is a great companion to a basic programming class. The exercises guide you step-by-step, providing a hands-on approach to learning Python in a meaningful context. - **Climate Enthusiasts**: If you have an interest in climate change and want to understand the numerical methods behind climate predictions, this course is tailored for you. - **Students of Earth Sciences**: Those pursuing studies in environmental science, earth system science, or related fields will find this course adds significant value to their academic repertoire. **Why you should take it:** - **Hands-on Learning**: The structure of the course emphasizes practical exercises over rote memorization, ensuring that learners can apply concepts directly. - **Integration of Theory and Practice**: By linking climate modeling principles with real-world applications, students gain a holistic understanding of how computer models of climate science work and their implications in the face of global warming. - **Accessible**: The course's commitment to assuming a beginner-level understanding of Python makes it inclusive, ensuring anyone with eagerness to learn can participate. #### Conclusion **Global Warming II: Create Your Own Models in Python** is not just a course—it's a critical tool for anyone looking to grapple with the complexities of climate change. Whether you aim to enhance your programming skills or delve into climate sciences, this course provides a solid foundation while fostering a deeper awareness of our planet's urgent issues. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone passionate about making a difference in the world of climate science and sustainability. Take that first step, and you might just find yourself contributing to the global conversation on climate change in a meaningful way!

Syllabus

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.

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".

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.

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

Background for this model was presented in Part I of this class, Unit 9, The Perturbed Carbon Cycle.