本课程探讨与过去气候变化相关的工具、资料和想法，这些变化在海洋、冰芯及陆地上的纪录中可以见到。其重点在于近代的气候变化（主要指过去五十万年至两百万年前的范围）。另外，将介绍一些分析古海洋资料的定量工具（统计学、因素分析、时间序列分析、简易气候学）。
This class examines tools, data, and ideas related to past climate changes as seen in marine, ice core, and continental records. The most recent climate changes (mainly the past 500,000 years, ranging up to about 2 million years ago) will be emphasized. Quantitative tools for the examination of paleoceanographic data will be introduced (statistics, factor analysis, time series analysis, simple climatology).
技术需求
建议使用微软公司出版的试算表软件（Microsoft® Excel software）检视本课程网站提供的xls文件。免费的微软试算表检视器软件（Microsoft® Excel viewer software）也可以用来看xls文件。
Microsoft® Excel software is recommended for viewing the .xls files found on this course site. Free Microsoft® Excel viewer software can also be used to view the .xls files.
