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Impact and Drivers of Past Ocean Circulation Change
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:38:37
Abstract
The potential for changes in the modern ocean thermohaline circulation remains a major uncertainty in projections of future anthropogenic climate impacts. In this reading course, we examine the paleoclimate evidence for past changes in AMOC intensity, the triggers and sensitivity of AMOC, and the feedbacks. We also explore the longer term evolution of the modern ocean circulation and its effect o
Objective
In this course, students will read and discuss scientific literature to understand the past climate feedbacks involving ocean circulation. At the same time, students will become familiar with the indicators (proxies) of past climate and the use of paleo climate models to understand climate processes. 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. The majority of each class period will be employed for discussion of a paper, in which 1-2 students (depending on class size) will provide the context and moderate the discussion based on questions submitted by all students. In the second portion of each class, instructors will provide a brief introduction to the methods used in the paper discussed the subsequent week. All students in the course are required to read the relevant paper each week and upload a discussion question prior to the class, and participate in the discussion.
Content
The movie "The Day After Tomorrow" depicts dramatic climatic consequences of an abrupt reduction in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). But, is there paleoclimate evidence to support large past variations in the AMOC and other ocean circulation? What are the observed triggers of past changes in AMOC? Is AMOC more easily disrupted under certain climate states? How globally widespread are the climatic impacts of changes in AMOC? How has the long term evolution of continent locations and ocean gateways influenced the system of ocean currents and their stability? Finally, how do changes in ocean circulation drive further climate feedbacks through processes such as ocean carbon storage or high latitude sea ice distribution?
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Every two years
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Impact and Drivers of Past Ocean Circulation Change |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Restricted Choice Modules Geology (A minimum of two restricted choice modules must be completed for the major Geology.)
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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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