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Inter-Annual Phenomena and Their Prediction
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:38:38
Abstract
This course provides an overview of the current ability to understand and predict intra-seasonal and inter-annual weather and climate variability in the tropical and extra-tropical region and provides insights on how operational weather and climate services are organized.
Objective
Students will acquire an understanding of the key atmosphere and ocean processes involved, will gain experience in analyzing and predicting weekly to inter-annual variability and learn how operational weather and climate services are organised and how scientific developments can improve these services.
Content
The course covers the following topics: Part 1: - Introduction, some basic concepts and examples of sub-seasonal and inter-annual variability - Weather and climate data and the statistical concepts used for analysing weather and climate variability (e.g. correlation analysis, teleconnection maps, EOF analysis) Part 2: - Inter-annual variability in the tropical region (e.g. ENSO, MJO) - Inter-annual variability in the extra-tropical region (e.g. Blocking systems, NAO, PNA, regimes) Part 3: - Prediction of sub-seasonal and inter-annual variability (statistical methods, probabilistic ensemble prediction systems, weekly, monthly and seasonal forecasts, seamless forecasts) - Verification and interpretation of probabilistic forecast systems - Climate change and inter-annual variability Part 4: - Scientific challenges for operational weather and climate services - A visit to the forecasting centre of MeteoSwiss
Resources
Lecture Notes
A pdf version of the slides will be available athttp://www.iac.ethz.ch/edu/courses/master/modules/interannual-phenomena.html
Literature
References are given during the lecture.
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- Slides, lecture notes and exercises
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC , DR , NDS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Inter-Annual Phenomena and Their Prediction
Am 30.5. findet die Vorlesung am Nachmittag statt.
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|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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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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MAS in Sustainable Water Resources (The Master of Advanced Studies in Sustainable Water Resources is a 12 month full time postgraduate diploma programme. The focus of the programme is on issues of sustainability and water resources in Latin America, with special attention given to the impacts of development and climate change on water resources. The programme combines multidisciplinary coursework with high level research. Sample research topics include: water quality, water quantity, water for agriculture, water for the environment, adaptation to climate change, and integrated water resource management. Language: English. Credit hours: 66 ECTS. For further information please visit: )
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Elective Courses (Electives: 6 credits has to be achieved.)
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Doctorate Environmental Systems Sciences (More Information at: )
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