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Description
The oceans play a crucial role in regulating Earth鈥檚 climate from decadal timescales up to glacial-interglacial cycles. Therefore if we are to understand the mechanisms of climate change, and make predictions about future climate, we must investigate how the global ocean operates, how it may alter, and the impacts of these changes on climate. This module uses recent academic literature to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of the oceans in Late Quaternary climate change. Topics will be explored by examining the processes operating in the modern ocean and the ocean鈥檚 interaction with other components of the climate system, as well as how these processes are thought to have altered in the past.
On completion of the course, students will have a state-of-the-art understanding of the role of ocean circulation in Late Quaternary climate change, they will have explored how the oceans are coupled to the other components of the climate system. The module aims to develop skills in critically assessing the academic literature and scientific evidence of past ocean circulation change.
The course covers the following topics:
- Introduction to Paleoceanography
- Evidence for an altered glacial ocean circulation
- The causes of glacial-interglacial atmospheric CO2 change
- The involvement of the ocean in abrupt climate change
- Contemporary and future changes in the ocean, linking to the atmosphere, cryosphere, and marine ecosystems
Transferable skills: Critical thinking: ability to assess听data and ideas; Time management: organisation听and planning of work; Problem-solving skills; Communication: verbal; Communication: conveying听written ideas to non-experts; Communication: academic writing; Awareness of sustainability issues; Presentation skills; Team working; Adaptability: ability to work under pressure
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 8th April 2024.
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