Geologic history speaks clearly - global climate has changed in the past. A large diversity of data indicates it is in the process of changing now. Large erratics here in Omaha, Nebraska are just one indication of a very different climate in geologically recent times. Debate as to whether the earth is warming has decreased as supporting data has increased in the past several years. But there is still vigorous debate on the associated causes and effects. The debate is of the magnitude where it effects global politics. This seminar is geared to giving participants a better understanding of the science behind the debate. There are no prerequisites, other than interest.

Topics covered:

• Week 1 - Course introduction. What are the effect of greenhouse gases on climate? A general model for climate change.
• Week 2 - Contrasting the climate history of Mars and Venus, a broader perspective and possibilities.
• Week 3 - The carbon cycle. What are earthly greenhouse sources, reservoirs?
• Week 4 - How do you take the temperature of the earth?
• Week 5 - Computer models for global climate.
• Week 6 - What is the effect of volcanism on global climate?
• Week 7 - Historical behavior of climate - where is the record? How quick is the change?
• Week 8 - Historical behavior of climate - what can ice cores tell us?
• Week 9 - What is the role of ocean basins in local and global climate?
• Week 10 - Models for 'catastrophic' climate change. Extraterrestrial causes for climate change?
• Week 11 - What are possible consequences of global climate change?
• Week 12 - What are possible consequences of global climate change (2)?
• Week 13 - Is human activity contributing to global warming?
• Week 14 - Science in the poltical arena?
• Week 15 - Wrap up discussion - where to go from here.

There will be no text. Instead readings will be given for each week. A discussion question based on the week's reading will be assigned, and a 250 word response collected each week. Overall time commitment should be roughly 3 hours per week, 1 hour of lecture/discussion and 2 hours reading and writing. The first half of class will be informative lecture, and the second half will be participatory discussion. The grade will be based on:

• 25% on a final, take-home, essay exam.
• 50% on weekly assignments of 250 words responding to a discussion question on the reading.
• 25% participation in discussion.