Spring 2008 Geology 108 (CRN#48665)
Paleoclimates: Climates of the Past, Key to the Future
Lecture: Tu Th 9:00-10:20 Rm 185 Physics/Geology

Instructor: Prof. Isabel Montañez
montanez@geology.ucdavis.edu
Office: Rm 387 Physics/Geology
Office hrs: Wed: 9:30 to 11 am; Thurs: 4:30-6:00 pm or by appointment

Course Objective: To establish a fundamental understanding of the Earth’s climate system dynamics and climate change through an examination of

1. the chemical, physical and biologic processes that control our climate system through forcings, feedbacks and thresholds,
2. the processes involved in global climate change throughout Earth’s history and into the future, and
3. critical discussions of key climatic events documented in the geological record.

Course Organization: Two lectures per week. There will be one midterm (30% of grade), a final exam (45% of grade), and team ‘thought’ questions. Although the final will not be cumulative per se, the questions will build on concepts and examples dealt with in class. [ download GEL 108 class syllabus ]

The powerpoint presentations will be available on the class site [ 108 class lectures notes ] the evening prior to each topic being presented.

Readings: please see the class web site for specific readings assigned and suggested for each lecture topic. The powerpoint presentations will be available on the web site after each topic is fully presented in class.

Paper & Presentation: Teams of 4 class participants will work together to develop a collective ‘point of view’ on a societally relevant topic. 'Debates' will be presented during the last 30 minutes of Thursday's classes beginning May 8.

In addition, each student will prepare a 3 to 4 page paper that presents an executive summary of their topic, and a self & peer evaluation.

Group Topics for Debates:

1. Global Warming – Could solar cycles be controlling our ‘modern’ climate?

1. Anthropogenically forced climate change
2. Natural variability

2. Is the Earth’s climate currently at a ‘Tipping Point’?

1. Evidence for why ‘yes’ and its implications
2. Arguments for why not and its societal implications

3. Weaning us from Carbon: Pro-fossil fuels (‘same ole’ or cap & trade) or can hydrogen and conservation measures end our fossil-fuel addiction?

1. Pro-fossil fuels
2. Hydrogen energy and/or conservation measures

4. A new national/international security paradigm: is it more important to preempt terrorism or global warming? 

1. Arguments for the influence of global warming on “national” security
2. Arguments against the significance of such an ‘influence’

5. The media’s perspective on climate change: Positive or negative impact on society?

1. Positive impact
2. negative impact