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

Atmosphärenphysik

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Fabian Mahrt
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:01:02

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. n the course "Atmospheric Physics", the competencies of process understanding, system understanding and data analysis & interpretation are taught, applied and examined. The competence measurement methods is taught as well.

Content

The course starts with introducing selected concepts of thermodynamics for atmospheric processes: The students learn the concept of the thermodynamic equilibrium and derive the Clausius-Clayperon equation from the first law of thermodynamics. This equation is central for the phase transitions in clouds. Students also learn to classify radiosondes with the help the thermodynamic charts (tephigrams) and to identify cloud base, cloud top, available convective energy in them. Atmospheric mixing processes are introduced for fog formation. The concept of the air parcel is used to understand convection. Aerosol particles are introduced in terms of their physical properties and their role in cloud formation based on Köhler theory. Thereafter cloud microphysical processes including ice nucleation are discussed. With these basics, the different forms of precipitation formation (convective vs. stratiform) is discussed as well as the formation and different stages of severe convective storms. The concepts are applied to understand and judge the validity of different proposed articifical weather modification ideas.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Powerpoint slides and chapters from the textbook will be made available on moodle:https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=15367

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
Die Leistungskontrolle setzt sich zusammen aus:- einer mündlichen Abschlussprüfung (30 Minuten), die mindestens 70% der Note ausmacht- einer schriftlichen Zwischenprüfung (60 Minuten), die 30% zur Note zählt, wenn sie die Note verbessert. Sie zielt darauf ab, die mathematischen/analytischen Fähigkeiten zu testen.- zusätzlich kann ein Bonus von 0.25 Notenpunkten erzielt werden, wenn 80% der Moodle-Fragen, die zur Vorbereitung auf die Flipped-Classroom-Lektionen gestellt werden, richtig beantwortet werden und eine Frage zu dieser Lektion auf Moodle gestellt wird.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Atmosphärenphysik
Im Anschluss an die LV findet ein freiwilliges, einstündiges Tutorial im gleichen Raum (CHN F46) statt.
  • Wed 10:15-12:00 (CHN F 46)
2 h weekly

Offered In