280365 VO PM-Kl1 Climate Models (NPI) (2019S)

We are dealing with climate modelling and discuss currently set out goals within this field of research. Thereby we get to know strategies how to get around in the territory as well as techniques, which fit well into the toolbox that you have developed in the course of your study already. The latter, of course, are required to answer typical questions in the realm of climate modelling.

Lecture and tutorial constitute a perfect framework for tackling significant research questions arising out of the lecture’s context. These we follow along solution-pathways set up ourselves by employing techniques, which we understand not only via their derivation but by their application. That’s where your programming-skills that you already achieved (through carefully designed university curricula) come in very handy.

Most important aspects to us are: joint concept development; engagement; recognition of the context and pertaining problems; objective-definition; design of pathways along which solutions may be accomplished; structuring such roadmaps; implementation of procedures attaining milestones; application of climate modelling to challenges (e.g. civil protection, safety of transport corridors, anticipatory strategies implementing sustainable measures, climate proofing, ...).

Before reeling off keywords characterizing the content in focus of this lecture-tutorial combination please note that concepts you know by now are just recalled – from a climate-modelling point of view rather than developed.

The climate system (spheres, processes, forcings); past and future climate evolution on different space/time scales; models: function, purpose and meaning; from energy balance models to global climate models and mathematical-statistical models simulating future climate change on regional scales; process analysis; quality measures; design of experiments; climate change impacts and how to deal with them (mitigation, adaptation, protection);

Please note: at students’ request this lecture was sometimes given in English. Therefore and in line with practice in this realm of science the material at least are kept in English. Ignorance of practice prevents the attainment of extensive advantages.