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Anne U. Gold
and
Dr. Matthew Shupe
Why would hundreds of scientists from around the world intentionally freeze a ship in Arctic sea ice for an entire year, braving subzero temperatures and months of polar darkness? This may sound like a fictional adventure movie plot, but from September 2019 through October 2020, the MOSAiC (Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate) Arctic research expedition did just this.
Read more
Why would hundreds of scientists from around the world intentionally freeze a ship in Arctic sea ice for an entire year, braving subzero temperatures and months of polar darkness? This may sound like a fictional adventure movie plot, but from September 2019 through October 2020, the MOSAiC (Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate) Arctic research expedition did just this.
Read more
Why would hundreds of scientists from around the world intentionally freeze a ship in Arctic sea ice for an entire year, braving subzero temperatures and months of polar darkness? This may sound like a fictional adventure movie plot, but from September 2019 through October 2020, the MOSAiC (Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate) Arctic research expedition did just this.
In this course, you’ll hear directly from MOSAiC scientists and Arctic experts as they describe why this expedition is so key for increasing our understanding of the Arctic and global climate systems and what kinds of data they will be collecting during MOSAiC on the ice, under the sea, and in the air. The course kicks off with content around Arctic geography, climate, and exploration history, and then walks learners through the basics of the components of the Arctic system: atmosphere, ocean, sea ice and ecosystems. You will also learn how the data collected during MOSAiC will be used to improve climate model projections. Finally, we will wrap up the course by exploring challenges the new Arctic faces, including how indigenous peoples in the Arctic are being impacted in different ways by a changing Arctic environment.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/usyac0/frozen
What's inside
Syllabus
Course Introduction and Course Basics
In this module, we will take you on a tour of the Arctic and discuss topics like Arctic geography and geopolitics before introducing the MOSAiC (Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate) expedition. The module wraps up with a brief look back at the historic Fram expedition to the Arctic 150 years ago that inspired MOSAiC.
Read more
Syllabus
Course Introduction and Course Basics
In this module, we will take you on a tour of the Arctic and discuss topics like Arctic geography and geopolitics before introducing the MOSAiC (Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate) expedition. The module wraps up with a brief look back at the historic Fram expedition to the Arctic 150 years ago that inspired MOSAiC.
Read more
Atmosphere in the Arctic and Beyond
In this module, you will learn about the basic physics of the atmosphere with a specific focus on the Arctic. We will explore Earth’s energy budget and look at the structure of the atmosphere. Arctic clouds are an important player in the Arctic atmosphere and their role will be part of one video lecture. Finally, we will introduce you to the concept of feedbacks, systems responses that modulate the climate system and are the basis for connections to the lower latitudes. The module concludes with an overview of the goals of the MOSAiC Atmosphere research group and the data they are collecting.
The Arctic Ocean
In this module, we will take you on a tour of the Arctic Ocean. We will explore topics like ocean circulation and ocean stratification with a specific focus on processes that are happening in the Arctic. You will begin to draw connections to the coupling of the atmosphere, ocean, and sea ice and explore the chemistry of the ocean, nutrient distribution, and ocean productivity. The module concludes with an overview of the goals of the MOSAiC Ocean research group and the data they are collecting.
Sea Ice
In this module, you will learn about sea ice and the important role it plays in the Arctic climate system. We will discuss how sea ice forms, how sea ice interacts with sunlight, and how sea ice moves and behaves. We will also explore the change in sea ice thickness and distribution in the Arctic over time and in response to a changing climate. The module concludes with an overview of the goals of the MOSAiC Sea Ice research group and the data they are collecting.
Arctic Biochemistry/Ecosystem
In this module, you will learn about the ecosystems of the Arctic Ocean. We will briefly explore the megafauna, such as polar bears, but then focus the exploration on the importance of the microfauna, such as algae and plankton, and their connections to oceanic nutrient cycles and atmospheric phenomena. The module concludes with an overview of the goals of the MOSAiC Biogeochemistry and Ecosystems research group and the data they are collecting.
Modeling Using Data from the Arctic
In this module, you will dive into the world of climate modeling. You will learn from MOSAiC researchers what the different modeling approaches are, what we can learn from models, and how we can use field data from expeditions like MOSAiC to improve model forecasts. The module concludes with an overview of the goals of the MOSAiC Modeling research group and the data they are collecting.
Challenges in the Arctic
In this module, we will tie together what we learned in the previous modules and explore challenges that the new Arctic faces. We will discuss the impacts of a changing climate on the Arctic as a whole, discuss the research frontiers around connections between the Arctic and lower latitudes, and explore the potential impacts of climate change on shipping lanes, energy exploration and fishing as well as related environmental challenges such as plastics and oil spills. Finally, you will learn how climate change is already impacting and will continue to impact indigenous communities in the Arctic in different ways.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Tailor-made for learners of entry-level
Explores climate change and its impact on the Arctic, aligning with industry concerns
Facilitated by the renowned scientists Anne U. Gold and Matthew Shupe, who are esteemed for their contributions in the field
Leverages hands-on data collection and analysis, providing practical insights
Provides a thorough examination of the Arctic ecosystem, enhancing learners' understanding
Emphasizes the significance of the MOSAiC expedition, showcasing real-world applications
Save this course
Save Frozen in the Ice: Exploring the Arctic to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Arctic exploration for all
Learners say this course is an excellent introduction to the Arctic region and its scientific exploration. They largely praise the course content, presentations, and instructors. The course is well-structured and learner-friendly, with materials that are easy to understand.
Suitable for beginners
"This course was a perfect introduction to Arctic systems and I will take other courses in the future to build on the knowledge I gained from this one."
Knowledgeable instructors
"A great course in all respects: content, presenters, presentations."
"Complete admiration for all who conceived of this project and for those who accomplished it."
High-quality content
"Excellent, thank you."
"Content is great."
"Amazing course! This course gave me a better understanding of the processes occurring in the Arctic"
Occasional audio problems
"Some audio issues."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Frozen in the Ice: Exploring the Arctic with these
activities:
Review properties of Arctic sea ice
Show steps
Ensure that you can explain the formation and movement of sea ice as well as its role in the Arctic climate system before starting this course.
Browse courses on
Sea Ice
Show steps
-
Review notes from introductory science courses on ice formation
-
Review published journal articles on the physics of sea ice
Learn the basics of climate modeling
Show steps
Gain familiarity by following online tutorials on climate modeling. This will help you understand how climate models work and how they are used to make projections.
Browse courses on
Climate Modeling
Show steps
-
Identify online tutorials on climate modeling
-
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises
-
Apply the knowledge gained to the MOSAiC Expedition data
Create a Mind Map of Arctic Ecosystems
Show steps
Visualize and organize your knowledge of the complex relationships within Arctic ecosystems.
Show steps
-
Start from the center of a page and write 'Arctic Ecosystems'.
-
Branch out with different colors or shapes to represent different ecosystem components (e.g., producers, consumers, decomposers).
-
Add arrows or lines to show the flow of energy and nutrients.
-
Label and describe each component and interaction.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Build an Annotated Bibliography on Arctic Sea Ice
Show steps
Enhance your research skills by compiling and annotating relevant literature on Arctic sea ice.
Browse courses on
Arctic Sea Ice
Show steps
-
Search for academic articles, scientific reports, and other relevant resources on Arctic sea ice.
-
Read and summarize each item, highlighting key findings and interpretations.
-
Organize the bibliography by topic or theme.
Follow Tutorials on Climate Modeling Basics
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of the fundamental principles and techniques used in climate modeling.
Browse courses on
Climate Modeling
Show steps
-
Identify reputable online resources or tutorials on climate modeling.
-
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes and experimenting with different parameters.
-
Apply your learning to a small-scale climate modeling project.
Read 'The Arctic: A History' by Max Boot
Show steps
Expand your understanding of the Arctic's history and its implications for contemporary issues.
Show steps
-
Read the book and take notes on key events and developments.
-
Summarize the main arguments and conclusions of the book.
-
Discuss the book's relevance to the course topics with classmates or online.
Review properties of Arctic sea ice
Show steps
Ensure that you can explain the formation and movement of sea ice as well as its role in the Arctic climate system before starting this course.
Browse courses on
Sea Ice
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes from introductory science courses on ice formation
- Review published journal articles on the physics of sea ice
Learn the basics of climate modeling
Show steps
Gain familiarity by following online tutorials on climate modeling. This will help you understand how climate models work and how they are used to make projections.
Browse courses on
Climate Modeling
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify online tutorials on climate modeling
- Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises
- Apply the knowledge gained to the MOSAiC Expedition data
Create a Mind Map of Arctic Ecosystems
Show steps
Visualize and organize your knowledge of the complex relationships within Arctic ecosystems.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Start from the center of a page and write 'Arctic Ecosystems'.
- Branch out with different colors or shapes to represent different ecosystem components (e.g., producers, consumers, decomposers).
- Add arrows or lines to show the flow of energy and nutrients.
- Label and describe each component and interaction.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Build an Annotated Bibliography on Arctic Sea Ice
Show steps
Enhance your research skills by compiling and annotating relevant literature on Arctic sea ice.
Browse courses on
Arctic Sea Ice
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for academic articles, scientific reports, and other relevant resources on Arctic sea ice.
- Read and summarize each item, highlighting key findings and interpretations.
- Organize the bibliography by topic or theme.
Follow Tutorials on Climate Modeling Basics
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of the fundamental principles and techniques used in climate modeling.
Browse courses on
Climate Modeling
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable online resources or tutorials on climate modeling.
- Follow the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes and experimenting with different parameters.
- Apply your learning to a small-scale climate modeling project.
Read 'The Arctic: A History' by Max Boot
Show steps
Expand your understanding of the Arctic's history and its implications for contemporary issues.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book and take notes on key events and developments.
- Summarize the main arguments and conclusions of the book.
- Discuss the book's relevance to the course topics with classmates or online.
Career center
Learners who complete Frozen in the Ice: Exploring the Arctic will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Glaciologist
Glaciologist
Glaciologists study glaciers and ice sheets. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Glaciologists because it provides an overview of the Arctic sea ice and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.
Oceanographer
Oceanographer
Oceanographers study the oceans and their interactions with the atmosphere and land. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Oceanographers because it provides an overview of the Arctic Ocean and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.
Science Writer
Science Writer
Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to a general audience. They may work for a variety of outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course may be useful for Science Writers because it provides an overview of the Arctic science and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.
Ecologist
Ecologist
Ecologists study the interactions between organisms and their environment. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Ecologists because it provides an overview of the Arctic ecosystem and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.
Geophysicist
Geophysicist
Geophysicists study the Earth's physical properties and processes. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Geophysicists because it provides an overview of the Arctic geophysics and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.
Climate Researcher
Climate Researcher
Climate Researchers are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data on climate change. They use this data to develop models and make predictions about future climate trends. This course may be useful for Climate Researchers because it provides an overview of the Arctic climate system and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.
Meteorologist
Meteorologist
Meteorologists study the atmosphere and make weather forecasts. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Meteorologists because it provides an overview of the Arctic atmosphere and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.
Geologist
Geologist
Geologists study the Earth's rocks, minerals, and fossils. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Geologists because it provides an overview of the Arctic geology and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies. They may work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, think tanks, and advocacy groups. This course may be useful for Policy Analysts because it provides an overview of the Arctic policy and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and work to find solutions to environmental problems. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Environmental Scientists because it provides an overview of the Arctic environment and the challenges that it faces.
Chemist
Chemist
Chemists study the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Chemists because it provides an overview of the Arctic chemistry and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.
Consultant
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and expertise to clients on a variety of topics. They may work for a variety of clients, including businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Consultants because it provides an overview of the Arctic science and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.
Physicist
Physicist
Physicists study the fundamental laws of nature. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Physicists because it provides an overview of the Arctic physics and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.
Biologist
Biologist
Biologists study living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Biologists because it provides an overview of the Arctic ecosystem and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.
Educator
Educator
Educators teach students about a variety of subjects. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, colleges, and universities. This course may be useful for Educators because it provides an overview of the Arctic science and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/usyac0/frozen
Reading list
We've selected seven books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Frozen in the Ice: Exploring the Arctic.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the physics of sea ice, including its formation, growth, melting, and movement. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the role of sea ice in the Arctic climate system.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the Arctic, from its earliest human inhabitants to the present day. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the history of the Arctic and its people.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Earth's climate system, including its history, current state, and future projections. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the Earth's climate system and its implications for the future.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the legal and policy challenges posed by climate change. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the legal and policy implications of climate change.
Save
Provides a concise overview of the Arctic, including its history, geography, climate, and people. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the Arctic.
Stunning collection of photographs of the Arctic. It valuable resource for anyone interested in seeing the beauty of the Arctic.
Visual history of the Arctic, from its earliest human inhabitants to the present day. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the history of the Arctic.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/usyac0/frozen
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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado Boulder
Instructors
Anne U. Gold
Dr. Matthew Shupe
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
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Good to know
Tailor-made for learners of entry-level
Explores climate change and its impact on the Arctic, aligning with industry concerns
Facilitated by the renowned scientists Anne U. Gold and Matthew Shupe, who are esteemed for their contributions in the field
Leverages hands-on data collection and analysis, providing practical insights
Provides a thorough examination of the Arctic ecosystem, enhancing learners' understanding
Emphasizes the significance of the MOSAiC expedition, showcasing real-world applications
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