G&G 523/323
"Theory of climate"

This is a graduate/ upper-level undergraduate course on climate dynamics with applications to several phenomena from El Nino, to decadal climate variability, from thermohaline circulation (THC) to glacial cycles, see the syllabus. Conceptual models of climate will be at the center of the course. A number of problems involving ocean-atmosphere interactions will be considered. In particular, I will discuss oceanic adjustment under varying winds, oceanic vorticity dynamics, atmospheric response to a localized heating, Gill’s atmospheric model, teleconnections, energy balanced models, Hasselman’s argument, stability of the coupled ocean-atmosphere system in the tropics. I will give a summary of our current understanding of ENSO and a brief introduction to climate modeling. The dynamics of mid-latitudes will also be discussed (the North Atlantic Oscillation). A computer lab may be included in the course, for the students to get acquainted with climate models of intermediate complexity (using the famous Cane-Zebiak model as an example). Finally, global climate change and the recent IPCC report will be discussed. I usually place some of the lecture materials in the Resources. The IPCC reports can be found here.

G&G 602 /402
"Introduction to Paleoclimates"

This is a “reading” seminar course for graduate/upper-level undergraduate students focusing on the dynamics of past climates. The purpose of the course is to introduce students to major phenomena in the evolution of the Earth's climate, important from the point of view of climate dynamics, see the syllabus. Topics include the warm Eocene climate, the Pliocene, glacial cycles, the Last Glacial Maximum, abrupt climate changes, the Holocene, climate of the last thousand years, climate of the 20th century, global warming, and others. The course is centered around the list of research papers to be discussed in the class by the students and the instructors, and around several introductory lectures given by the instructors. Open to undergraduates by permission of the instructors. Postdoctoral associates are welcome to attend. The organizational meeting usually takes place on Tuesday of the first week of classes at 11:30 in 119 KGL. Further, we may change the time of meetings if that is required to adjust to diverse class schedules.

G&G 535/335
"Physical Oceanography"

An introduction to ocean dynamics and physical processes affecting the ocean. Physical mechanisms controlling large-scale ocean properties, ocean circulation, the Gulf Stream, wind-driven waves, tides, coastal upwelling, and phenomena attributable to the Earth’s rotation. Stability of ocean flows. Modern observational, theoretical and numerical techniques used to study the ocean. The ocean role in climate. The goal of this course is to introduce first- and second-year graduate students as well as advanced undergraduate students to basic ideas and main concepts of physical oceanography. Resources.