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Environmental Fluid Dynamics
Umwelt-Fluiddynamik
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:36:14
Abstract
This course covers the basic physical concepts and mathematical equations used to describe environmental fluid systems on the rotating Earth. Fundamental concepts (e.g. vorticity dynamics and waves) are formally introduced, applied quantitatively and illustrated using examples. Exercises help to deepen knowledge of the material.
Objective
Students are able - to name the bases, concepts and methods of environmental fluid dynamics. - to understand and discuss the components of the basic physical equations in fluid dynamics - to apply basic mathematical equations to simple problems of environmental fluid dynamics
Content
Basic physial terminology and mathematical laws: Continuum hypothesis, forces, constitutive laws, state equations and basic principles of thermodynamics, kinematics, laws of mass and momentum on rotating earth. Concepts and illustrative flow sytems: vorticity dynamics, boundary layers, instability, turbulence - with respect to environmental fluid systems. Scale analysis: dimensionles variables and dynamical similarity, simplification of the fluid system, e.g. shallow water assumption, geostrophic flow. Waves in environmental fluid systems.
Resources
Lecture Notes
In english language
Literature
Will be presnted in class. See also: web-site.
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- Information
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Umwelt-Fluiddynamik
Die genauen Unterrichtszeiten von ONLINE - Veranstaltungen werden von den Dozierenden kommuniziert.
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2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Major: Climate and Water (Advisor of the BSc-major "Climate and Water" is Dr. Hanna Joos, Institute for climate and atmosphere (IAC).)
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Electives (The electives listed are recommended. Additional courses can be chosen from the complete offerings of the ETH Zurich and University of Zurich.)
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