Palaeoclimate dynamics and variability
Teaching
Teaching contributions of Kira Rehfeld for each semester can be found on her personal page in the LSF.
Next Semester SS21
The evolution of global physical climatology and climate modeling (PSEM)
Weekly seminar: Wednesdays 16:15-18:00 (online), starting 4.4.2021
In this seminar, we will examine the history of climate sciene, in particular with respect to climate modeling. Topics will range from the discovery of the greenhouse effect and the development of the first climate models, to anthropogenic climate change and attribution studies. Each student will be asked to cover at least two scientific studies on their assigned topic. More detailed information about the different topics can be found here soon.
The seminar is for bachelor students ("Plichtseminar", i.e. PSEM). For registration contact Elisa Ziegler stating your top 3 topics of choice. Unfortunately, all topics are already taken, so that we can only add people to the waiting list at this point. The list of topics as well as further information on the seminar can be found here.
Earth's climate and environmental dynamics (Oberseminar/Research Seminar)
Research seminar, weekly (Tuesday 4-6pm), online.
In this weekly seminar we discuss current research in science, with a focus on climate and environmental physics, and there are regular presentations by research group members as well as external guests. There is an administrative and scientific component focusing on internal matters of the palaeoclimate dynamics and variability research group. Those interested in participation are welcome to contact Kira Rehfeld.
Current term WS20/21
Introduction to climate modelling and climate data analysis
Weekly lecture + practice group : Wed 14:15-15:45 lecture, Wed 16:15-17:45 practice group (online). Starting 4.11.2020
This lecture is part of the specialization in Environmental Physics within the Master’s programme in physics. Previous knowledge of the general lecture on environmental physics (MKEP4) and/or specialization courses (e.g., radiative transfer, Atmospheric/Aquatic Physics), or equivalent courses is expected. Knowledge of a programming language (Python and/or R) is advantageous.
The course addresses
- The underlying physical and chemical processes of the terrestrial climate system, how the relevant compartments of the Earth (i.e. atmosphere, ocean cryosphere, biosphere, lithosphere) interact, and how their properties are determined by the various internal and external boundary conditions and constraints provided on the various spatial and temporal time scales.
- Modeling techniques for the evolution of the climate system. We will cover energy balance models, atmospheric/oceanic general circulation models and models of the coupled Earth system.
- Methods for the characterization and attribution of the dynamics of the climate system.
The course is planned with weekly pre-recorded lectures, a Q&A and a tutorial session. Lectures and exercises will lead towards a joint modeling and data analysis project using a climate model of intermediate complexity.
Technical details will be given to the registered participants. Due to the uncertain development of the pandemic we plan to use HeiCONF for virtual sessions and Moodle for the distribution of material. A limited number of exercise sessions may take place in presence. Registration here.
Measuring, reconstructing and modelling Earth's climate variability across spatial and temporal scales (PSEM / MVSem Seminar)
Weekly seminar: Tuesdays 16:15-18:00 (online), starting 3.11.2020
This seminar takes us on a journey through the different scales of the Earth's climate system from turbulent wind currents to orbital changes in irradiance. Thereby, we will ask ourselves how climate variability can be characterized, measured, and modelled on these scales, and, not least, what this means in terms of global heating. Click here for more information. The registration is closed.
The seminar can be either included into Bachelor studies ("Plichtseminar", i.e. PSEM) or Master studies (mandatory advanced seminar, i.e. MVSem). Link to LSF.
Palaeoclimate and Environmental Dynamics (Oberseminar/Research Seminar)
Research seminar, weekly (Tuesday 3-4pm), online.
In this weekly seminar we discuss current research in science, with a focus on climate and environmental physics, and there are regular presentations by research group members as well as external guests. There is an administrative and scientific component focusing on internal matters of the palaeoclimate dynamics and variability research group. Those interested in participation are welcome to contact Kira Rehfeld.
Previous Terms
Claims of climate denialists: a skeptical discussion based on Physics and Earth Sciences (Advanced Research Seminar)
Block seminar: 3./4.8.2020 (9am-5pm), INF 229, SR 108/110
Note that the time of the block seminar will be updated once the time/date of the exam week is clarified, as the COVID-19 situation becomes more clear. The alternative date is 29./30.9.2020 (9am-5pm).
This seminar will consist of focused discussion of 10-12 common arguments of climate denialists, based on student-prepared presentations. Click here for more information.
Palaeoclimate and Environmental Dynamics (Oberseminar/Research Seminar)
Research seminar, weekly (Tuesday 4-6pm), INF 229, SR 410
In this weekly seminar we discuss current research in science, with a focus on climate and environmental physics, and there are regular presentations by research group members as well as external guests. There is an administrative and scientific component focusing on internal matters of the palaeoclimate dynamics and variability research group. Those interested in participation are welcome to contact Kira Rehfeld.