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701-0475-00L 3 Credits BSC , MSC D-USYS , D-ERDW , D-CHAB

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Atmospheric Physics

Atmosphärenphysik

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Ulrike Lohmann

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:36:18

Abstract

This course covers the basics of atmospheric physics, which consist of: cloud and precipitation formation especially prediction of thunderstorm development, aerosol physics as well as artificial weather modification.

Objective

Students are able - to explain the mechanisms of thunderstorm formation using knowledge of thermodynamics and cloud microphysics. - to evaluate the significance of clouds and aerosol particles for artificial weather modification.

Content

Moist processes/thermodynamics; aerosol physics; cloud formation; precipitation processes, thunderstorms; importance of aerosols and clouds for weather modification

Resources

Lecture Notes

Powerpoint slides and chapters from the textbook will be made available

Literature

Lohmann, U., Lüönd, F. and Mahrt, F., An Introduction to Clouds: From the Microscale to Climate, Cambridge Univ. Press, 391 pp., 2016.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language: German
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: oral 30 minutes

The performance assessments of this lecture consists of the following elements:- A final 30-minute oral exam that counts at least 70% of the grade- A 60-minute written midterm that counts 30% of the grade and is geared to test the student’s mathematical/analytical skills (not mandatory, but highly recommended; counts only if positive impact towards the final grade).- A bonus of a 1/4 grade can be obtained if more than 85% of the moodle-questions in preparation for the flipped-classroom lectures are correctly answered and a question to this lecture was put on moodle.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Atmosphärenphysik Im Anschluss an die LV findet ein freiwilliges, einstündiges Tutorial im gleichen Raum (HG D 1.1) statt.	Wed 10:00-12:00 (ON LI NE)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Earth and Climate Sciences Bachelor
- Majors
  - Major: Climate and Water (Advisor of the BSc-major "Climate and Water" is Dr. Hanna Joos, Institute for climate and atmosphere (IAC).)
    - Advanced
Environmental Sciences Bachelor
- Specialization in an Environmental System
  - Atmosphere and Climate (The following courses are highly recommended as preparation for the Specialization in Atmosphere and Climate: 701-0106-00L Mathematik V: Angewandte Vertiefung von Mathematik I - III (Spring semester) 402-0048-00L Fortgeschrittene Physik für Umwelt- und ErdwissenschaftlerInnen (Spring semester) These courses should be successfully completed during the second year.)
Interdisciplinary Sciences Bachelor
- Physical-Chemical Direction
  - 3. Semester (Physical-Chemical Direction)
    - Electives (The Bachelor's programme in Interdisciplinary Sciences allows students to choose from any subject taught at a Bachelor level at ETH Zurich. In consultation with the Director of Studies of Interdisciplinary Sciences, every student must establish his/her own individual study programme at the beginning of the 2nd year. See the Programme Regulations 2018 for further details.)
Environmental Sciences Master
- Major in Atmosphere and Climate
  - Prerequisites
Atmospheric and Climate Science Master
- Electives (The students are free to choose individually from the entire course offer of ETH Zürich and the universities of Zürich and Bern.)
  - Prerequisites (The definition of prerequisites is part of the admission procedure for the master studies. You are informed by the admission office as to what courses of the section «prerequisites» you have to catch up with. You are accredited for these courses in the electives block of the master studies.)