Environment: understanding atmospheric and ocean flows

The basic principle of global atmospheric circulation is simple: warm air rises and cold air sinks. How does this principle affect the atmosphere and flow of water in practical terms? Starting with an iconic environmental icon, the polar bear, you will learn how global flows of water, heat and pollution are affecting the Arctic region and changing our world.

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• appreciate how chemical processes in the rest of the world affect the Arctic environment and the species inhabiting it
• recognise the physical processes that determine atmosphere and oceanic flows in the Arctic
• appreciate the scientific research process and the use of scientific evidence
• recognise the role and limitations of scientific data in attempting to predict global climatic change
• understand the concept of feedback loops.