MONASH Simple Climate Model

Monash University

This climate model simulates the Earth's climate system by allowing users to toggle different influences on climate (e.g. oceans, atmospheric gases) based on model version used.

Click to View

Notes from our reviewers

The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials.

Facilitation will be required for constructive use of this simulation as an effective learning tool. Simulation is complex with many variables and experimental design is not intuitive. It requires some time to digest variables and understand experimental design outcomes. Experimental outcomes may require instructional support for deeper learning. Teaching material and model is available in German. Introduction videos are provided, as well as a more in-depth video on the mathematics behind the model. There are several different ways for students to interact with the climate model. Students can play with three different variations of the model without much guidance. Students can use the tutorials to learn about the model and the science behind it at a basic, intermediate, and expert level. Students can use their understanding of the model and play with the puzzles that are provided. This resource can be as complex or as simple as the educator would like it to be.
The (MSCM) model and simulation is based on the Globally Resolved Energy Balance (GREB) model, which is a physical climate model published by Dommenget and Floeter [2011] in the journal Climate Dynamics. The model simulates most of the main physical processes in the climate system in a very simplistic way to allow fast and simple climate model simulations on a normal personal computer. It simulates the global climate at three different vertical levels (surface, atmosphere and subsurface ocean). There is a more advanced version of the model in the Intermediate and Expert sections of the model page. You can turn off and on processes in order to understand how the climate system is interconnected to other Earth processes. Students can look at the response to carbon dioxide in the climate as well as investigate other climate forcings. There is a basic and standard version of the model with different levels of scientific complexity depending on the audience. The standard version includes additional feedback mechanisms and many other climate variables. Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
Very complex simulation which requires some prior knowledge of the climate and climate system, however the basic version can be useful for those just learning. Requires considerable introduction and facilitation for in depth learning. The tutorials may act as a standalone activity for students to participate in, or the simulation can be embedded in a lesson or unit on climate science or models.