With this course, a broad overview into physical processes within and between major Earth System components (atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, cryosphere) influencing global climate development is given. It will particularly focus on feedbacks and their underlying causes and mechanisms (e.g. clouds, aerosols, water vapor, air-sea exchange). An emphasis will also be given to suitable numerical models describing such feedbacks and an assessment of their general capabilities/limitations.

Contents

• Introduction to the global system
• The elements of the Earth system and their basic characteristics
• Feedbacks and interrelationships between Earth system components and their assessment
• Towards an “Earth System Model”