Project Info
Greenhouse gases and global warming
Anuj Chauhan
chauhan@mines.edu
Global warming is probably one of the most important area of research with enormous implications, and yet, this area is highly controversial. There is a real need to decouple science from politics and come up with unique ideas to develop and test hypothesis regarding causes and potential solutions. This obviously is an enormous undertaking but we will start with more manageable goals described below.
The CO2 Climate Theory is: Increased concentrations of CO2 and/or methane in the atmosphere are a direct cause of increased global temperatures. Many people refer to this as climate change.
There are considerable differences in peoples’ opinions on this issue and there is no direct experimental data that proves this theory, which gives us an opportunity to fill the knowledge gap in this area of immense societal importance. The long-term goal of this project is to develop and conduct an experiment that can prove or disprove this theory.
The first step in designing an experiment is to review and summarize the current state of knowledge.
The goals of this project are:
- Review the facts supporting and opposing the CO2 Climate Theory.
- List the variables that affect climate. This is most efficiently accomplished by literature review and interviewing people knowledgeable in the science of climatology. The student will be given in initial list of people.
- Review and summarize existing computer climate models.
- Conceptualize potential experimental design.
- Recommend future steps.
- Prepare written report.
More Information:
Grand Challenge: Make solar energy economical.
There is considerable research both in peer reviewed literature and in popular media.
Primary Contacts:
This project involves faculty, alums, and members of Mines Foundation Board. Thus there is significant academic and industrial expertise, including several very successful alums.
These are some of the people who will be involved in this project.
Dr. Anuj Chauhan | Stu Bennett
Terrance Tschatschula | Steve Jones
Steve Mooney | Rod Eichler
Charlie McNeil
Student Preparation
Qualifications
An inquisitive mind is the most important requirement.
Interest in understanding the broader implications of science and engineering will be highly valuable.
Interest in reviewing literature will be highly valuable as well.
TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)
5
SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED
The student will learn to review literature on gain valuable knowledge of a topic of immense societal importance. The student will become familiar with the large number of variables that impact climate and develop some understanding of the complex interaction between these variables. The student will have the opportunity to critically assess current theories and models.
Experience interviewing scientists.
MENTORING PLAN
At the beginning of the semester, the primary contacts will meet with the student to discuss and plan the project. Periodic meetings will be held during the semester to support the student’s progress and monitor progress.
PREFERRED STUDENT STATUS
Sophomore
Junior
Senior