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651-3561-00L 3 Credits BSC , MSC D-USYS , D-ERDW
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Cryosphere

Kryosphäre

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Matthias Huss, Dr. Harry Zekollari, Prof. Dr. Daniel Farinotti
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:02:06

Abstract

The course introduces the different components of the cryosphere - snow, glaciers, ice sheets, sea ice and lake ice, and permafrost - and their respective roles in the climate system. For each subsystem, essential physical aspects are emphasized, and their dynamics are described quantitatively and using examples.

Objective

Students are able to - qualitatively explain relevant processes, feedbacks and relationships between the different components of the cryosphere, - quantify and interpret physical processes, which determine the state of the cryospheric components, with simple calculations. In the course "Cryosphere", the competencies of process understanding, modeling, data analysis & interpretation and measurement methods are taught, applied and examined. System understanding is taught and examined.

Content

The course provides an introduction into the various components of the cryosphere: snow, glaciers, ice sheets, sea ice and lake ice, permafrost, and their roles in the climate system. Essential physical aspects are emphasized for each subsystem: e.g. the material properties of ice, mass balance and dynamics of glaciers, or the energy balance of sea ice.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Handouts will be distributed during the teaching semester

Literature

Benn, D., & Evans, D. J. (2014). Glaciers and glaciation. Routledge. Cuffey, K. M., & Paterson, W. S. B. (2010). The physics of glaciers. Academic Press. Hooke, R. L. (2019). Principles of glacier mechanics. Cambridge University Press. Further literature will be indicated during the lecture.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
Sämtliche Vorlesungsunterlagen und Notizen.
Digital
The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.
Die Semester-Endprüfung wird online via Moodle durchgeführt.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Kryosphäre
  • Tue 16:15-18:00 (CAB G 11)
2 h weekly

Offered In