Courses
12.301/842 (Fall): Climate Science
This class aims to provide a broad introduction to the fundamental radiative, physical, dynamical, and biogeochemical processes controlling Earth's climate. Much of the course is devoted to studying climate physics (atmospheric radiation and thermodynamics; large-scale circulations in the atmosphere and ocean) and chemical and biogeochemical cycling in the ocean and atmosphere, with a focus on the carbon cycle. The course examines past history of climate change and variability as revealed by the paleoclimate record. Emphasis is also placed on discerning historical and future anthropogenic influences on climate and their associated impacts, while briefly introducing approaches to mitigate future risks in both the near- and long-term.Pre-req: Chemistry (GIR), 18.03, or instructor's permission
Course Website
12.810 (Spring): Dynamics of the Atmosphere
Discusses the dynamics of the atmosphere, with emphasis on the large scale. Topics include zonally symmetric circulations and the tropical Hadley circulation; internal gravity waves; balanced flows, potential vorticity conservation and Rossby waves; baroclinic instability and extratropical storms; tropical waves and the Walker circulation; the role of eddies in the general circulation and the response of the general circulation to climate change.Pre-req: 12:800 or instructor's permission
Course Website
12.901 (Fall): Proposals, Papers and Pathways
This seminar will build skills for writing scientific proposals and papers, and it will also facilitate investigation of career pathways. Topics covered include scientific writing and graphics, peer review, proposal writing for grants and fellowships, and exploration of academic and non-academic careers.Course Website
12.812: The general circulation of the atmosphere and climate change
(Previously taught during Fall Term)Describes the general circulation of Earth's atmosphere and its maintenance. Second half of the course explores the response of the general circulation to climate change.
12.003: Introduction to Atmosphere, Ocean, and Climate Dynamics
(Previously taught during Fall Term)This undergraduate class is designed to introduce students to the physics that govern the circulation of the ocean and atmosphere. The focus is on the processes that control the climate of the planet.
12.312: Understand and run your own climate model
(Previously taught during IAP)Overviews the fundamentals of simulating the Earth's climate. Basic background on the processes maintaining the climate is provided. Students run simple climate models (radiative-convective equilibrium and energy balance models) in Matlab and analyze output from the comprehensive climate models used in global-warming assessments.
12.802: Wave Motions in the Ocean and Atmosphere
(Previously co-taught with Glenn Flierl)Basic ideas of geophysical wave motion in rotating, stratified, and rotating-stratified fluids.