1. Using the GISS surface air temperature anomalies, 1880-2014:
   a.  On the same graph plot the time series of January anomalies, DJF anomalies, and annual average anomalies.  Turn in this graph.
   b.  Explain the differences between the curves.
   c.  On the same graph plot the time series of MAM anomalies, JJA anomalies, SON anomalies, DJF anomalies, and annual average anomalies.  Turn in this graph.
   d.  Explain the differences between the curves.
   e.  Calculate the linear trend of each of the curves in a. and c. for the periods 1880-2014 and 1960-2014 in unts of K/decade.
   f.  For each trend, calculate whether the trend is significantly different from a trend of 0 K/decade.
   g.  Add the curves for these linear trends to the plots before turning them in.
   
   
2. There are several sources of climate data from individual stations, including NCEI, Climate Explorer, USHCN data, and the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist. 
   a.  For a pair of stations, in the U.S., one urban and one rural, but within 50 km of each other, and with similar topography (altitude, distance from water), plot the time series of annual average temperature for each station and the difference between them.  Explain your results.  Also explain how you decided how urban each station was.  You might want to use the data at http://maps.elie.ucl.ac.be/CCI/viewer/index.php.
   b.  Repeat the analysis in a. for a pair of stations in another country.
   c.  Repeat a. for precipitation rather than temperature for the same pair of stations.
   d.  Repeat b. for precipitation rather than temperature for the same pair of stations.
   
   
3. Using the Climate Reanalyzer, present the results of an interesting analysis.  Choose a variable.  Then, for example, examine the differences between different reanalyses or different regions of the world.
   

Prepared by Alan Robock (robock@envsci.rutgers.edu) - Last updated on September 13, 2015