Open Educational Resources
Document Type
Assignment
Publication Date
Fall 12-8-2025
Abstract
This assignment introduces students to the mathematics of Earth’s climate through the classical energy balance model. Students analyze how incoming solar radiation, outgoing thermal radiation, and temperature-dependent albedo interact to determine Earth’s equilibrium temperature. Using analytical calculations and computational tools, students identify equilibrium states, assess their stability, and interpret the results through the lens of dynamical systems and bifurcation theory. The activity builds conceptual understanding of climate feedbacks, greenhouse effects, and tipping behavior using a transparent, one-variable model. Designed for applied mathematics and interdisciplinary STEM courses, this assignment emphasizes computation, physical interpretation, and real-world relevance. It is released as a CUNY OER–supported resource to promote free, accessible, and high-quality learning materials.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
CUNY OER Funding
CUNY OER Initiative
Included in
Dynamical Systems Commons, Dynamic Systems Commons, Ordinary Differential Equations and Applied Dynamics Commons, Other Applied Mathematics Commons, Other Environmental Sciences Commons
Comments
Funding for this OER project was provided by the CUNY OER initiative, coordinated by the Teaching and Learning Center. This assignment is part of the course materials for Spring 2026 Math A1200: Topics of Applied Mathematics – Mathematical Climate Models at The City College of New York. It is designed to introduce students to climate modeling through energy balance equations, feedback mechanisms, and dynamical systems concepts, using both analytical and computational tools.