Aerosols, Clouds and Climate

Aerosols and clouds represent the greatest uncertainty in our understanding of climate change. This course gives you a deeper understanding of the influence of aerosols and clouds on the climate, from small-scale processes to global climate models.
Figure from IPPC’s report ”Climate Change 2007 – The physical science basis”

Figure from IPPC’s report ”Climate Change 2007 – The physical science basis”

This course deals with the sources, sinks, and transformations of both natural and man-made aerosol particles. Another key part of the course is to understand the interaction between radiation and aerosols and clouds. You will learn about basic structure and functions of the atmosphere, including its exchange with the earth surface, and the general circulation of the atmosphere. Furthermore, the course explores atmospheric models, from the local scale up to the large GCMs.


Understanding of the uncertainty of climate predictions, especially in relation to changes in aerosols and clouds, are an important part of the course. The course also covers experimental measurements that can match the spatial scale of global model data (satellite observations and networks of measurement stations), the construction of emission scenarios and global emission data bases.

We will look at how IPCC works and the role of science in climate-political negotiations for future emission reductions. We will also cover various proposed so called “geo-engineering” methods involving aerosols and supposed to cool the climate and discuss their risks and disadvantages.

 



Teaching Format

Instruction consists of lectures, seminars, exercises, field trips and laboratory work. Participation in laboratory work, field trips, and seminars and any associated integrated instruction is compulsory.


Assessment

The course is examined as follows: Knowledge assessment takes the form of written exam, seminars, and written assignments.

Rights and responsibilities

Your rights and responsibilities as a student

Examiner

Douglas Nilsson, Douglas.Nilsson@aces.su.se

The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.


Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.


Course reports are displayed for the three most recent course instances.








Study counsellors

studeranu@aces.su.se

Department of Environmental Science

Course coordinator

Douglas Nilsson, Douglas.Nilsson@aces.su.se
Department of Environmental Science, Unit Atmospheric Science