Program Overview

GEOL 2753 COIN6: Atmosphere, Weather and Climate

Course Description

The composition, structure, and dynamics of the atmosphere; weather, climate, and biogeographic patterns; microclimatology; paleoclimates, paleogeography, and extinctions; human effect on air quality; climate change. The course includes a 3-hour lab.

Course Details

• Instructor: Robert Raeside
• Prerequisites: Second Year Standing
• Course Type: Online; Continuous-intake, allowing students to register anytime and learn at their own pace

Course Overview

Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it. How often have you heard people blaming the vagaries of the weather on the modern buzzwords, 'global warming' or 'climate change'? In this course on Atmosphere, Weather and Climate, students will learn of the significance of the thin veil of gas that supports life on Earth and what makes it function to bring us the daily weather. Students will also learn how conditions on Earth have changed through the ages, and what is the threat posed by climate change. The course has been designed for students with an interest in their environment.

Course Objectives

Initially, students will be required to watch the weather to describe what is happening, but by the end, it is anticipated that they will follow the daily developments on their own and understand the processes that have led to them. Particular emphasis will be placed on:

• How the atmosphere works, to give an understanding of weather phenomena and global climates
• The origin and the evolution of the atmosphere
• The relationships between climate, biogeography, and the evolution of life and the atmosphere
• Paleoclimatology, the study of ancient climate patterns

Although much of this course concerns itself with atmospheric chemistry and physics, students should have a basic understanding of the principles of geology and the accounting of geologic time before starting the course.