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Seminar in Paleoclimate
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:08:15
Abstract
Over Earth History, the earth's climate experienced a wide range of states which evidence diverse drivers and feedbacks. We will review scientific literature to deepen understanding of the key methods and archives for paleoclimate reconstruction, and the emerging views on paleoclimate on a range of timescales.
Objective
he study of Earth's past climate has been a highly active discipline exploiting an array of surface earth archives and techniques. In this course, students will read and discuss literature to gain a deeper understanding of the varied approaches to paleoclimate reconstruction, and an overview of key conclusions and current debates about in climate in different timescales in earth history. By focusing on a single paper or set of papers each week, students will also learn to read deeply and critically and defend their opinions orally, as well as to lead productive and inclusive discussions. At the end of the course, students will be familiar with the main parameters estimated, tools used, and limitations in the study of paleoclimate in various archives including: paleosols, lakes, ice cores, glacial deposits, corals, speleothems, and deep ocean sediments. Students will also be able to review the main features of climate over geological time, from the Paleozoic through the last millennia, and summarize the main ongoing debates about these periods.
Content
Each class period will focus on a particular paper or set of papers that address a particular paleoclimate question. In each class period, 1-2 students (depending on class size) will provide a brief background introduction presentation and will lead the discussion. All students in the course are required to read the relevant papers and upload a discussion question prior to the class, and participate in the discussion. Specific topics and papers will be updated each semester to incorporate novel scientific literature.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Seminar in Paleoclimate |
|
1 h weekly |
Offered In
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Electives (The students are free to choose individually from the entire course offer of ETH Zürich and the universities of Zürich and Bern.)
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Electives (Courses can be chosen from the complete offerings of the ETH Zurich and University of Zurich (according to prior agreement with the MSc Committee).)
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