Step-by-Step Instructions
Download the software, run the simulation or download the output files for Modern Predicted SST and IPCC A1FI CO2.
Read background information about climate modeling and understand the theory behind the Educational Global Climate Model or EdGCM software. Answer the following questions; What exactly is a model? How do climate change models work? What goes into the programming of a climate model? Why do they demand so much computer time and power.
How dramatically is the Earth's surface temperature predicted to rise in the next century? Generate a temperature graph using model data to see the the increase in the Earth's temperature that will result from the continued increase of CO2 in the atmosphere. Compare the graph of the simulation with a graph of Earth's temperature given no change in our present amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.
Use Analyze Output in EdGCM to generate data sets that can be mapped. Then use EdGCM visualization software, EVA, to create several maps of temperature under both global warming and non-global warming scenarios. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of maps versus graphs of data.
How will climate change impact winter snow and ice coverage? Use EVA to create a difference (anomaly) map of Surface Air Temperature and of Snow and Ice Coverage.
Use EdGCM and EVA to investigate another region and impact of your choice. Present your findings to the class. Why is climate change a truly global problem?
