VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Past Droughts, Floods and Rainfall Variability
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:23:10
Abstract
Changes in rainfall may constitute one of the strongest impacts of anthropogenic climate changes in many regions. In this reading course, we examine the paleoclimate evidence for past changes in flood frequency, drought incidence, fire frequency, and changes in precipitation systems.
Objective
In this course, students will read and discuss scientific literature to assess the variability and drivers of past changes in precipitation. At the same time, students will become familiar with the indicators (proxies) of past climate and the use of paleo climate models to understand climate processes. By focusing on a single paper or set of papers each week, students will also learn to read deeply and critically and defend their opinions orally, as well as to lead productive and inclusive discussions. The majority of each class period will be employed for discussion of a paper, in which 1-2 students (depending on class size) will provide the context and moderate the discussion based on questions submitted by all students. In the second portion of each class, instructors will provide a brief introduction to the methods used in the paper discussed the subsequent week. All students in the course are required to read the relevant paper each week and upload a discussion question prior to the class, and participate in the discussion.
Content
General Circulation models of climate continue to feature greater uncertainty in the simulation of precipitation than temperature. Is there evidence for past changes in mean and extreme precipitation, and its spatial distribution, which can elucidate important processes or help in the evaluation of model robustness? Does flood frequency show a systematic relationship with warmer or cooler or overall wetter climates? What factors condition the frequency and duration of droughts? To what extent is past fire frequency conditioned by droughts? What are the drivers of past changes in tropical and extratropical precipitation systems?
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Every two years
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Past Droughts, Floods and Rainfall Variability |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
-
-
-
-
Electives (Courses can be chosen from the complete offerings of the ETH Zurich and University of Zurich (according to prior agreement with the MSc Committee).)
-
-
-