asp.ucar.edu
Carbon-Climate Connections In The Earth System
Application Deadline: February 15, 2013
Motivation
The ocean and terrestrial biosphere currently absorb about half of annual anthropogenic CO2 emissions. These sinks are sensitive to climate: future warming will reduce their effectiveness. Understanding the mechanisms regulating natural carbon sinks is an essential element of climate prediction and a key challenge for Earth System models.
Overview
This colloquium is designed for graduate students who have completed at least one year in a field related to biogeochemistry or Earth System modeling. The colloquium will focus on the physical, biological, and chemical mechanisms that regulate the global carbon cycle. It will feature lectures from international experts on key aspects of the carbon cycle and its representation in Earth System models. Lectures will address both terrestrial and ocean biogeochemical systems, and include observational and modeling perspectives. Furthermore, lectures will be given on coupled climate modeling and analytical techniques relevant to carbon cycle science. Tutorials and computer-based exercises will provide experience working with models spanning a range of complexity. Student projects will examine the behavior of cutting-edge Earth System models in simulations submitted to phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5).
Researcher Colloquium (5-9 August 2013)
The middle week of the ASP Colloquium will consist of a Researcher Colloquium focused on key challenges in global carbon cycle modeling. The Research Colloquium will have a separate application process for early career to senior researchers.
Expected Outcome
This colloquium will provide students with an integrated conceptual understanding of the processes regulating the global carbon cycle. Students will learn state-of-the-art modeling approaches used in Earth System models and recognize key elements contributing to uncertainty in future projections. Student will gain hands-on experience working with model output and the observational data sets used to calibrate and evaluate the models.
Logistics
The Advanced Study Program will fund travel and living expenses for about 25 graduate student participants during the summer colloquium.
To Apply
You will be asked to provide a short copy of your CV (try to keep it 2 pages or less) and a letter of recommendation from your thesis adviser. Both of these will need to be uploaded into the application system. Your thesis advisor may also send the letter directly to the asp-coll1asp.ucar.edu (organizers), if they prefer.
NOTE: If your thesis advisor is going to send their letter directly to us, you must upload a document in place of your thesis advisors letter, stating that that is how the letter will arrive, and complete your application.
You apply at the RegOnline web site.
Decisions will be made by the end of March.