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Climate Systems
Klimasysteme
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:38:36
Abstract
This course introduces the most important physical components of the climate system and their interactions. The mechanisms of anthropogenic climate change are analysed against the background of climate history and variability. Those completing the course will be in a position to identify and explain simple problems in the area of climate systems.
Objective
Students are able - to describe the most important physical components of the global climate system and sketch their interactions - to explain the mechanisms of anthropogenic climate change - to identify and explain simple problems in the area of climate systems
Resources
Lecture Notes
Copies of the slides are provided in electronic form.
Literature
A comprehensive list of references is provided in the class. Two books are particularly recommended: - Hartmann, D., 2016: Global Physical Climatology. Academic Press, London, 485 pp. - Peixoto, J.P. and A.H. Oort, 1992: Physics of Climate. American Institute of Physics, New York, 520 pp.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC , MSC , GS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
- Digital
- The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Klimasysteme |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed.)
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Atmosphere and Climate (The following courses are highly recommended as preparation for the Specialization in Atmosphere and Climate: 701-0106-00L Mathematik V: Angewandte Vertiefung von Mathematik I - III (Spring semester) 402-0048-00L Fortgeschrittene Physik für Umwelt- und ErdwissenschaftlerInnen (Spring semester) These courses should be successfully completed during the second year.)
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Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed.)
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Electives (The students are free to choose individually from the entire course offer of ETH Zürich and the universities of Zürich and Bern.)
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Prerequisites (The definition of prerequisites is part of the admission procedure for the master studies. You are informed by the admission office as to what courses of the section «prerequisites» you have to catch up with. You are accredited for these courses in the electives block of the master studies.)
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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.))
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