Courses

The course examines the ocean's response to external climatic forcing such as solar luminosity and changes in the Earth's orbit, and to internal influences including atmospheric composition, the hydrological cycle, the cryosphere, and atmospheric and ocean circulation, using deep-sea sediments, corals, ice cores and other paleoceanographic archives. An analysis of the assumptions underlying the use of climate proxies and their interpretations will be presented. Particular emphasis will be placed on amplifiers of climate change during the alternating ice ages and interglacial intervals of the last few million years, such as natural variations in atmospheric "greenhouse gases" and changes in deep water formation rates, as well as mechanisms of rapid climate change during the late Pleistocene. The influence of changes in the Earth's radiation distribution and boundary conditions on the global ocean circulation, Asian monsoon system and El Nino/Southern Oscillation frequency and intensity, as well as interactions among these systems will be examined using proxy data and models. This course complements GU4937 Cenozoic Paleoceanography and is intended as part of a sequence with GU4330 Terrestrial Paleoclimate for students with interests in Paleoclimate.

 

Program components include experience in working on genuine engineering research projects, research skills and college prep workshops, science communications workshops, and additional supplemental seminars and opportunities. 

Working with a faculty member and a team of 3-5 graduate or undergraduate students, students will have the opportunity to work on a small research project. Students can enroll ENGI E3900/4900 for zero credit, zero fees; students who wish to earn academic credit can enroll in the faculty member’s independent research course or Fieldwork. Specific requirements for the project are defined by the faculty members.  Research groups meet weekly with their faculty member. Students are also encouraged to submit bi-weekly progress reports to the faculty member.  Upon completion of the research project (end of July/beginning of August), each research team will participate in a research symposium to present their research and deliverables. Note: Enrollment in this course acknowledges the student’s participation in research with an Engineering faculty member.