INTRODUCTION TO CLIMATE DYNAMICS

The course provides for a basic understanding of the functioning of the Earth's climate. Focus is especially on the physical components of the climate system, especially linked with dynamics of atmosphere, ocean and the polar regions. After a brief introduction on the definition of climate, we will use simple models to understand some of the fundamental processes that operate within the climate system. The course will provide elements to understand natural and anthropogenic climate changes, with emphasis on amplification mechanisms in polar regions. The students will become familiar with the diverse tools used in contemporary climatology, including instrumental observations, climate proxies and numerical climate models.