Presents physical principles that govern Earth’s climate system. Topics include: how conservation of energy and greenhouse effect maintain equable temperatures suitable for life; basic patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulations; and physics of the hydrologic cycle. Covers statistical foundations of extreme weather events and projections of future climate.

Prerequisite: MATH 124 or Q SCI 291; and either both PHYS 114 and PHYS 117, or PHYS 121; recommended: either both PHYS 115 and PHYS 118, or PHYS 122.

(replaces ESS 201 as an option in the climate minor core requirements)