GGR484H5 The Climate of the Arctic

Course Desciption

Course Description

High latitude environments are becoming the focus of increasing scientific attention because of their role in global environmental change. The implications of changes occurring to the sea ice and snowcover are far reaching and can have impacts on physical, biological and human systems both within and beyond the region. This course will provide a comprehensive examination of climates of high latitudes. Topics that will be covered include the Arctic energy budget and atmospheric circulation, the hydrologic cycle in the Arctic, the ocean-sea ice-climate interactions and feedbacks, modeling the Arctic climate system as well as an evaluation of recent climate variability and trends.

Distribution Requirement: Science

Lectures hours: 24

Prerequisite: 14.0 credits including GGR214H5 or GGR317H5 or permission of instructor

Core Skills Developed

  • critical reading and understanding of scientific literature
  • ability to synthesize important highlights from complex material
  • critical analytical skills for independent, primary research
  • literature review
  • discussion and feedback skills
  • hold educated discussion on the current climate conditions in the arctic