Homework

For November 13

Read Sections 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3 in the textbook, and come to class prepared to discuss them. In particular, consider the figures on pages 202 and 207 in light of the data we have about atmospheric CO₂, global temperature, and fossil fuel emissions. Can you use those data sets to come up with a carbon budget that will keep the global mean temperature below 2°C above pre-industrial levels?

For October 28

Prepare and submit a Google Sheet using the data referenced in this link. Include two graphs: (1) showing the Mauna Loa data and the cumulative emissions data together on one graph, with different vertical axes, (2) showing the cumulative emissions data on the vertical axis and the Mauna Loa data on the horizontal axis.

For October 23

Remember to submit your project proposal. It should be no more than 5 pages, and it should describe your project, giving details like sources and methods.

For October 16

Read Section 2.11 in the textbook, and come to class prepared to discuss it. We will begin the discussion with each person reading one or two sentences from the article, so please pick the sentences you will read.

For October 9

Submit the preliminary proposal for your class project. It should be no longer than one page and should outline your proposal for a class project.

For October 7

1. Read a section of the textbook (your choice) and prepare a 5 minute presentation using Google Slides.

2. Be prepared to give your presentation to the class.

For Sept 25

1. Prepare a Google Slides presentation showing the graphs you created in Google Sheets for the Sept 23 assignment. Add some remarks interpreting the the graphs and adding your own speculation about the implications.

2. Be prepared to give your presentation to the class.

For Sept 23

1. Using the Berkeley Earth data set and the Mauna Loa data set, prepare a Google Sheet with the two data sets shown on the same graph for the years 1958 to 2025. Pick the left and right vertical scales so you can compare the two trends. Share your sheet with mcgehee@umn.edu.

2. Using the same data and the same time interval, show the graph of temperature anomaly versus ppm. Show the linear trend on the graph.

3. Using the linear trend, compute the expected temperature anomaly if the atmospheric carbon reaches 560 ppm.

4. Using the same linear trend, estimate the CO2 concentration that will produce an anomaly of 1.5 degrees Celsius. Do the same for an anomaly of 2.0 degrees Celsius.

5. Put your graphs and your computations in a Google Doc and share the document with mcgehee@umn.edu.

For Sept 18

1. Using the Berkeley Earth data set, prepare a Google Sheet with a graph of the monthly temperature anomaly for the 21^st century (January 2000 to August 2024). Include in the graph the linear trend. Share your sheet with mcgehee@umn.edu.

2. Using the linear trend, compute the predicted temperature anomaly for 2050.

3. Using the same trend, compute the year in which the temperature anomaly will exceed 2 degrees Celsius.

4. Prepare a Google Doc with your answers to parts 2 and 3 and share the document with mcgehee@umn.edu. You should include your computation as part of the answer. Don't just submit the number.

For Sept 16
1. Using the Mauna Loa data set, prepare a Google Sheet with a graph of the monthly atmospheric CO₂ concentrations for the 21^st century (January 2000 to August 2024). Include in the graph the linear trend. Share your sheet with mcgehee@umn.edu.
2. Using the equation for the linear trend, compute the predicted atmospheric CO₂ concentration for 2050. Assume that the concentration in 2024 is 425 ppm.
3. Using the same equation and assumption, compute the year in which the atmospheric CO₂ concentration will exceed 560 ppm.
4. Prepare a Google Doc with your answers to parts 2 and 3 and share the document with mcgehee@umn.edu. You should include your computation as part of the answer. Don't just submit the number.

For Sept 9
1. Read Section 1.6 in the textbook. Pick a short quote that you particularly like and write it into a Google doc. Come prepared to discuss the quote with the class. Share the Google doc with mcgehee@umn.edu.
2. Start a Google doc logbook. Make your first entry what you learned about the difference between weather and climate. Share your logbook with mcgehee@umn.edu
3. Create a Google sheet containing an image. Share the sheet with mcgehee@umn.edu

For Sept 11
Upload the Mauna Loa data into a Google Sheet. Share your sheet with mcgehee@umn.edu.