VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

651-4001-02L 2 Credits BSC , MSC D-ERDW , D-PHYS
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Advanced Geophysical Fluid Dynamics

Lecturers & Examiners: PD Dr. Jérôme André Roland Noir, Dr. Fabian Burmann
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:38:09

Abstract

Fluid layers in planets are ubiquitous, either in the form of metallic cores, oceans or atmospheres. In this class we will go through the fundamentals of rotating and stratified fluids in a geophysical context, it includes convection and heat transfer, surface and internal waves, inertial rotating waves and modes and their stability.

Objective

The objectives of this class will be to acquire the basics of stratified and rotating fluid dynamics, convection and heat transfer. The students will be exposed to the classical techniques of scaling analysis, dimensionless numbers, derivation of onsets of instabilities and comparison with experiment and geophysical data.

Content

-Introduction to rotating fluid dynamics: Geostrophic flows / inertial modes / inertial waves / Instabilities and turbulence -Introduction to stratified fluids: stratification, interface waves, internal gravity waves, breakdown of stratification -Introduction to thermal and compositional convection, with and without rotation. -Application to planets: Earth's core convection / Precession/nutations of the Earth's and Lunar core.

Resources

Lecture Notes

available throught he moodle page.

Literature

Michel Rieutord: Fluid dynamics, an introduction (basic) S. Chandrasekhar: Hydrodynamic and hydrodynamic stability H.P. Greenspan The theory of rotating fluid. K. Zhang: Theory and Modeling of Rotating Fluids.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance
Information on performance assessments will be given during the first lecture.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Advanced Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
  • Tue 14:15-16:00 (NO C 44)
2 h weekly

Offered In

  • Physics Bachelor
  • Earth Sciences Master
    • 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).)
  • Physics Master
    • Electives
      • General Electives (Students may choose General Electives from the entire course programme of ETH Zurich - with the following restrictions: courses that belong to the first or second year of a Bachelor curriculum at ETH Zurich as well as courses from GESS "Science in Perspective" are not eligible here. The following courses are explicitly recommended to physics students by their lecturers. (Courses in this list may be assigned to the category "General Electives" directly in myStudies. For the category assignment of other eligible courses keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.))