EAE3042 · Antarctica in the Earth System

Overview

You will study the role of Antarctica and the southern ocean in earth and climate systems, and the risks that changes in this region poses to society and the environment. You will learn about past changes in Antarctica, how to quantify current climate change impacts, and how to predict how Antarctica will evolve into the future. You will consider processes operating within and between the Antarctic ice sheet, ocean, atmosphere, and solid Earth, and impacts of changes in these systems on the broader earth system. Finally, you will investigate the geopolitical landscape of the Antarctic treaty system, and the role that it plays in determining how Antarctica’s environmental future is safeguarded.

Areas of study: Earth Science Geographical Science

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Formulate a comprehensive assessment of Antarctica’s role in climate and earth systems;
2. Analyse the processes underlying ice sheet mass balance in Antarctica, and feedbacks between the ice sheet, ocean, atmosphere, sea ice and solid Earth that impact mass gains and losses;
3. Critically evaluate ice sheet model outputs and their utility and limitations in providing accurate and reliable projections of the future of Antarctica;
4. Generate new insights in trends and relationships between ice sheet and climate systems by analysing a broad range of physical data;
5. Demonstrate expertise in problem solving, including the use of information technology and data handling, communication skills and team work.

Workload

12 hours per week, consisting of: • Two hours of pre-class activities. This will be a mix of pre-recorded videos (i.e. lectures), interviews, activities, and readings; • Three hours of laboratories and • Seven hours of self-directed learning, which may include additional pre-class activities, revision, working on assignments, groupwork, or engaging with further self-directed activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.