The second edition works as either a non-majors introduction to earth system science or climate change, or as a majors/graduate-level overview of the processes and techniques in climate science. The text summarises the major lessons to be learned from 550 million years of climate changes, as a way of evaluating the climatological impact on and by humans in this century. The book also looks ahead to possible effects during the next several centuries of fossil fuel use.

Table of Contents

PART I: FRAMEWORK OF CLIMATE SCIENCE Overview of Climate Science Climatic Archives, Data and Models PART II: TECTONIC-SCALE CLIMATE CHANGE CO2 and Long-Term Climate Plate Tectonics and Long-Term Climate Greenhouse Earth From Greenhouse to Icehouse: The Last 50 Million Years PART III: ORBITAL-SCALE CLIMATE CHANGE Astronomical Control of Solar Radiation Insolation Control of Monsoons Insolation Control of Ice Sheets Orbital-Scale Changes in CO2 and Methane Orbital-Scale Interactions, Feedback, and Unsolved Problems PART IV: DEGLACIAL AND MILLENNIAL CLIMATE CHANGE The Last Glacial Maximum Climate During and Since the Last Deglaciation Millennial Oscillations of Climate PART V: HISTORICAL AND FUTURE CLIMATE CHANGE Humans and Pre-Industrial Climate Climate Change During the Last 1000 Years Climate Change Since 1850 Causes of the Warming of the Last 125 Years Future Climate Change

Author Biography

WILLIAM F. RUDDIMAN retired from the University of Virginia at an early age and has since devoted his time to research, writing, and lecturing. He has written trade books and numerous journal articles. While at Virginia, he taught an introductory climate course on a regular basis, therefore much of the work in the book reflects lessons learned through his own experiences.