![paleoCAMP logo](./images/paleoCAMPLogo.png)

# An Introduction to Climate Modeling and Analysis

**Tutorials at [the 2026 paleoCAMP](https://paleoclimate.camp/) | June 15–June 29, 2026**

[Jiang Zhu](https://staff.cgd.ucar.edu/jiangzhu/)  
[jiangzhu@ucar.edu](mailto:jiangzhu@ucar.edu)  
Climate & Global Dynamics Laboratory  
NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research

---

## Learning Objectives

- Understand the basic structure of the Community Earth System Model (CESM) as software
- Learn the four steps to set up and run a preindustrial control simulation
- Learn to use Python/Jupyter Notebooks to analyze and visualize model output
- _Optional_
  - Learn how to configure and run CESM for paleoclimate (e.g., a mid-Holocene simulation)
  - Explore how CESM simulations can be used for hypothesis testing

---

## Prerequisites

- Basic introduction to Unix/Linux commands
- Introduction to Python and Jupyter Notebooks
- Overview of NSF NCAR computing resources and user access

---

## Main Learning Modules

- Introduction to CESM: structure, components, and workflow
- Live demonstration: how to configure, build, and submit a CESM run
- Hands-on exercises: analyzing CESM output on NCAR’s JupyterHub
- Option 1: Run and compare a pair of piControl and mid-Holocene simulations
- Option 2: Analyze ITCZ and monsoon dynamics using a long mid-Holocene simulation

---

## Info and Advanced Modules

- Additional resources: accessing model output and data analysis tips
- iCESM and iTRACE analysis
- Challenging: Configure and run a Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) simulation