Earth-System Modeling Primer

Numerical models are widely used across all fields in Earth Sciences. This course introduces the basic concept of finite difference techniques for solving differential equations. The focus is on reservoir models that are applied, for example, in geochemistry, paleoceanography, or climatology. Computer labs using Python form the core of the course.

SoSe2024: 30.09. - 04.10.

- understanding key conepts and assumptions underlying numerical models
- basic understanding of discretization in space and time using finite differences

Homework (will be carried our during the block course)

Hausarbeit

Kendal McGuffie, Ann Henderson-Sellers: The Climate Modelling Primer, 4th Edition. Wiley-Blackwell, 456 pp.,2014.
Hartmann, Dennis L.: Global Physical Climatology. Elsevier, 2nd edition, 498 pp., 2016.

1st Day: Overview of model types and their application in Earth sciences; dynamical systems, ordinary differential equations
2nd Day: Finite difference method, Euler method, from sci. question to model, exercise: radioactive decay
3rd Day: Climate-system overview
4th Day: Zero-dimensional energy-balance model (EBM), concept and numerical implementation
5th Day: Climate Sensitivity: concept and exercise
6th Day: Climate feedbacks (ice-albedo in zero-dimensional EBM)
7th Day: Zero-dimensional EBM with seasonal cycle
8th Day: Reservoir models; exercise:
9th Day: Geochemical box models I: carbon cycle; ocean-atmosphere exchange (2-box model, atm + oc.)
10th Day: Geochemical box models II: biological pump and C-cycling (3-box model; atm., sfc. oc., deep oc.)
11th Day: Finite differences beyond Euler forward
12th Day: Extension to one spatial dimension (slope stability) from scientific question to mathematical model
13th Day: Numerical implementation of the slope-stability model
14th Day: Overview transport models (advection and diffusion)

Programmierung mit Python