Course content

The global energy balance, transport of energy in the atmosphere and ocean, the greenhouse effect. Solar radiation, thermal infrared radiation, the role of gases and clouds. The energy balance of the surface, the hydrologic cycle. Atmospheric motions and ocean currents, the El Ni?o phenomenon.

Learning outcome

After completing this course you should have the following skills:

  • Understand the key factors and processes that determine the Earth's energy balance.
  • Be able to explain the greenhouse effect and perform calculations for the ground temperature under different assumptions about atmospheric composition and properties.
  • Understand the factors that determine the vertical stability of the atmosphere and ocean and how instabilities give rise to the type of weather and currents in the ocean.
  • Be able to describe the basic features of the circulation in the ocean and in the atmosphere from a physical understanding of flows in rotating fluids.
  • Know the causes of natural variations in climate and how emissions from human activity can affect this. Understand the physics behind and the timescale for the main feedback mechanisms in the climate system.

Admission

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisite knowledge

In addition to fulfilling the Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:

  • Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2) + R2

And in addition one of these:

  • Physics (1+2)
  • Chemistry (1+2)
  • Biology (1+2)
  • Information technology (1+2)
  • Geosciences (1+2)
  • Technology and theories of research (1+2)

The special admission requirements may also be covered by equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies (in Norwegian).

Studies corresponding to 2 semesters at one of the bachelor programmes Physics, Astronomy and Meteorology (FAM) og Geosciences. It will require considerable additional effort to complete the course without necessary prerequisites in Mathematics and Programming.

The following courses must be taken earlier than the first mandatory field trip/excursion in GEF1100:

For students who complet