Course Title:

METEO 597C: The Global Carbon Cycle - (3) A research-literature based review of the processes governing atmospheric CO2. Terrestrial, oceanic, and anthropogenic processes will be considered.

Semester:

Fall 2014

When:

T R 2:30 PM to 3:45 PM

Where:

110 Mateer Building

Instructor:

Prof. Kenneth Davis, Department of Meteorology

This course focuses on one of the most challenging environmental issues of our era – the accumulation of carbon dioxide and methane in our atmosphere due to human modification of the global carbon cycle. We will study the mechanisms responsible for sources and sinks of carbon into and out of the global atmosphere, and will study the methods used to quantify the carbon cycle. Terrestrial, oceanic, atmospheric and anthropogenic processes will be considered. The primary focus is on the recent past (industrial era) and near-future (~100 years), when carbon cycle management decisions will play a critical role in climate change. 

The course is appropriate for graduate students or advanced undergraduates with a background in quantitative sciences (physical or biological) or engineering. The course should be suitable for students from a wide variety of programs across the university. 

Course work includes traditional homework assignments, extensive study of current research literature, and hands-on, student-tailored research projects using tools (lab, field, data analysis, numerical) found in the current scientific literature. Independent learning and study skills will be necessary. 

Dr. Davis’s expertise is in the application of atmospheric measurements to the study of the terrestrial carbon cycle. He served for six years as cochair of the North American Carbon Program Science Steering Group, and is a co-author of the 2011 U.S. Carbon Cycle Science Plan.