Mathematical Modeling of Ocean Climate

Catalog description

Credits 4. 3 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Problem-based course in theoretical and computer techniques applied to mathematical solutions of ocean climate, including ocean circulation, climate variability, El Niño. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Understanding the mathematical and computational foundations of modeling ocean climate processes is essential for addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, sea level rise and extreme weather events, as well as improving seasonal climate predictions related to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This course equips students with practical skills in quantitative modeling, data analysis and scientific computing that are highly transferable to careers in climate science, oceanography, environmental consulting, data science and policy analysis. By linking theoretical concepts with real-world applications, students learn how ocean-atmosphere interactions influence global and regional climate and how modeling tools can be used to interpret observations and project future climate states. The course emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving and data-driven reasoning — skills valuable not only for scientific research but also for informed decision-making in professional and civic contexts. KEY TOPICS AND THEMES. Major topics include the distinction between weather and climate, the role of the ocean in regulating Earth’s climate and the physical basis for climate modeling. Students explore the hierarchy of climate models — from simple energy balance models to comprehensive Earth system models — and the mathematical and numerical techniques underlying their development. Additional themes include understanding the difference between natural climate variability, such as ENSO, and long-term climate change. Emphasis is placed on hands-on modeling exercises and data analyses. Prerequisite: MATH 308 .