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Impact and Drivers of Past Ocean Circulation Change
Last Updated: 2026-06-04 00:13:51
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 and other significant ocean circulation systems, the triggers and the feedbacks on circulation change, on timescales from centuries to millions of years.
Objective
In this course, by reading and discussing scientific literature, students will be able to describe the range of variation, causes, and feedbacks of past changes in ocean circulation. Students will build critical thinking skills to be able to assess the strength of evidence in a scientific paper and defend their assessment orally. Students will be able to describe both the common indicators (proxies) to identify past changes in ocean circulation and the types of paleo climate models used to simulate processes regulating past ocean circulation. In more general competences, students will cultivate a toolbox of skills for leading productive and inclusive discussions, especially techniques for attracting active participation of attendees and promoting engagement. These competences will be built on the weekly independent reading of a scientific paper and its discussion during a 2 hour in person meeting. Each week, this discussion will be led by 1-2 students (depending on class size) who will provide the context, develop tools for full interactive participation, and moderate the discussion. Each week, 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 contribute a discussion question prior to the class, and participate in the discussion and associated activities.
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? These are some of the timely topics which have been pursued in the course in the past. At the first class meeting, the topics for reading and discussion are chosen by the participating students. Students select the paper to discuss for each weekly topic.
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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