ATM- 522: CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND PREDICTABILITY

TOPIC: In this course we will discuss the main modes of climate variability on interannual to decadal time scales, such as ENSO, PDO, NAO, annular modes (AO, AAO), etc. We will review the mode dynamics, teleconnection mechanisms, their impacts on climate, ecosystems and society, their evolution through time (how has the behavior of these modes changed in the past over 2-3 centuries), and how anthropogenic climate change might affect future mode behavior. We will also talk about climate prediction on seasonal to interannual time scales (how are such predictions made; what are their limitations?) The class will be a mixture of lectures, seminars, and student presentations.

INSTRUCTOR:    Mathias Vuille
                             ES 311
                             ph.: 442-4472
                             mathias@atmos.albany.edu

TIME AND LOCATION: Tue & Th. 11:45am-1:05pm
                                         B13

CREDITS: 3

TEXTBOOK: no textbook required; we will instead read and discuss relevant papers for each topic

PREREQUISITES: No prerequisites besides the general prerequisites for all departmental graduate courses.

OFFICE HOURS: by appointment

WEBSITE:  http://www.atmos.albany.edu/deas/atmclasses/atm522

                        for pdf's of papers and lectures go here (password required)

FORMAT: The class is a mixture of lectures, seminar-style discussions and student presentations.

EVALUATION:   1) Homework assignments (10%)
                            2) In-class presentation (20%)
                            3) Mid-term exam (20%)
                            4) Research or review paper on topic chosen by student (50%)

SCHEDULE:

The schedule is approximate and subject to change. It will be adjusted and evolve as the class progresses.