How is the course organized?

The course provides an introduction to state-of-the-art climate models, so called Earth System Models (ESMs). The first phase of the course is some preparatory work that can be done at the home institution. This contains some reading, setting up accounts etc.  A small written statement about what type of research problem the student would like to study using ESMs is prepared and handed in. 

The second phase of the course is at Stockholm University where there will be lectures describing ESMs in detail and their limitations. The lectures will cover the various model components for atmosphere, land, ocean, sea-ice, vegetation and biogeochemistry, chemistry and aerosols, of state-of-the-art ESMs. The code structure and how information is exchanged between the different model components will also be covered. Examples of scientific experiments using climate models are presented and discussed. Aspects of climate modeling such as future projections, model tuning, model uncertainty, the role of the models in the IPCC reports, the CMIP coordination initiative are also discussed. The lecture material will cover general aspects of ESMs but will have more details on two particular ESMs: EC-Earth and NorESM. In the tutorials that are also scheduled during the second phase, the students will work individually to learn how to compile, set up experiments and run EC-Earth or CESM/NorESM. The students will also learn how to implement changes to model parameters, boundary data and how to modify the source code and how to analyze and present the model output.

During the lecture&tutorial week, the students will convert their research problem to ESM experiments together with a supervisor from Stockholm University or from their local university. This experiment and analysis will then be carried out as a project during the third phase of the course. The results are then summarized in an oral presentation that is the basis for the examination.

Examination

The examination is based on an oral presentation of the project in a workshop. The date for the examination will be in the second half of August, the exact day will be discussed and decided by the students together with the responsible teacher.

Schedule

Preparation time (first phase): some hours mostly defined by yourself during 20 May – 9 June

Lecture week (second phase): 9:15-17:00 during 10-14 June

Project work and examination (third phase): 18 June – mid August (date to be chosen)

Course literature

Will be provided during the course

Registration

For registration, contact Ingrid Eronn (studievagledare@misu.su.se). For students outside of Stockholm University, please contact Ingrid at least 1 week ahead of the course start.

Responsible teacher- contact

Gunilla Svensson (gunilla@misu.su.se)

The course is supported by SeSE https://sites.google.com/view/sese-nu/home