Our planet's atmosphere, oceans, biosphere, and lithosphere are complexly linked to regulate climate; changes in these systems are the causes of natural variations in climate. Natural and human agents for climate change will be studied during this survey of the earth's climate over recent geological and historical time. The role of organisms, oceanic circulation, and tectonic changes on climate can be illuminated using examples from the past. Ecological response to climatic change, particularly the telling impact on hominid evolution and later changes during episodic ice ages, complete this examination of climate in a geological framework. Climatic variations including the Little Ice Age and the El Nino/Southern Oscillation during historical time offer insights into how our climate system might fluctuate in the near future. How will human induced climate change intersect these natural and cyclic changes? The accuracy of climate models so widely used today for policy decisions must be assessed and tested against this known climate history. Does our recent climatic past reveal our near-term future? Lectures, three hours per week. There will be one evening video on hominid evolution. Evaluation will be based on hour exams, a final exam, and 2-3 weather forecasting exercises. Enrollment limited to 40, with preference given to first- and second-year students.

Hour: DESIMONE