What is the difference between weather and climate? What causes them both? And what about global climate change? To get some answers we will explore the atmosphere of the Earth—its structure, composition, processes, and the resulting weather patterns and events. We will examine what drives it all, such as variations in Earth’s orbit and axial tilt, solar activity, volcanic action, greenhouse gases, land use, and natural feedback mechanisms. We will also learn about the data sources used by climate scientists: instrumental records, historical records, Paleo-proxy records, tree rings, sediments, ice cores, pollen and corals, carbon 14, and carbon dioxide. Finally, we will look at global climate models, severe weather events, global climate change and how we can respond to it. Please bring $5 to the first meeting to cover course handouts. Limit 25.

Peter Boone, PhD
1:00—3:00 P.M. Wednesday, Starts Feb. 19
Bethany Lutheran Church, Chapel
3701 W. Slaughter Lane (78749)