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701-1228-00L 4 Credits BSC , MSC , DR D-USYS , D-ERDW , D-MATH
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Cloud Dynamics: Hurricanes

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Ulrike Lohmann
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:38:37

Abstract

Hurricanes are among the most destructive elements in the atmosphere. This lecture will discuss the physical requirements for their formation, life cycle, damage potential and their relationship to global warming. It also distinguishes hurricanes from thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Objective

At the end of this course students will be able to distinguish the formation and life cycle mechanisms of tropical cyclones from those of extratropical thunderstorms/cyclones, project how tropical cyclones change in a warmer climate based on their physics and evaluate different tropical cyclone modification ideas.

Content

see course outline at: https://iac.ethz.ch/edu/courses/master/modules/cloud-dynamics and: https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=19306

Resources

Lecture Notes

Slides will be made available

Literature

A literature list can be found on moodle

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC , DR
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
oral 25 minutes
The performance assessments of this lecture consists of the following elements:- The final oral exam counts either 70 or 100%.- an interim examination: The interim examination is voluntary but highly recommended. It counts 30% to the final grade if it increases the grade.- Compulsory continuous performance assessment (pass/fail): active participation in the UN congress and presentation of one assignment exercise in the tutorial.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Cloud Dynamics: Hurricanes
  • Tue 10:15-12:00 (IFW A 32.1)
  • Tue 12:15-13:00 (IFW A 32.1)
  • 21.05 Date 10:15-12:00 (CHN D 44)
  • 28.05 Date 10:15-12:00 (CHN D 44)
3 h weekly

Offered In