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701-1236-00L 1 Credits BSC , MSC D-USYS , D-PHYS , D-ERDW
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Measurement Methods in Meteorology and Climate Research

Messmethoden in der Meteorologie und Klimaforschung

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Martin Hirschi, Dr. Michael Rösch
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:27

Abstract

The course provides the physical, technical, and theoretical basics for measuring physical quantities in the atmosphere. Also, considerations related to the planning of observation campaigns and to data evaluation are discussed.

Objective

Aims of the course are: - to become sensitive for specific problems when making measurements in the atmosphere under severe environmental conditions - to gain knowledge of the different measurement methods and techniques - to develop criteria for the choice of the optimal measurement method for a given problem - to find the optimal observation strategy in terms of choice of instrument, frequency of observation, accuracy, etc.

Content

Problems related to time series analysis, sampling theorem, time constant and sampling rate. Theoretical analysis of different sensors for temperature, humidity, wind, and pressure. Discussion of effects disturbing the instruments. Principles of active and passive remote sensing. Measuring turbulent fluxes (e.g. heatflux) using eddy-correlation technique. Discussion of technical realizations of complex observing systems (radiosondes, automatic weather stations, radar, wind profilers). Demonstration of instruments.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Students can download a copy of the lectures as PDF-files.

Literature

- Emeis, Stefan: Measurement Methods in Atmospheric Sciences, In situ and remote. Bornträger 2010, ISBN 978-3-443-01066-9 - Brock, F. V. and S. J. Richardson: Meteorological Measurement Systems, Oxford University Press 2001, ISBN 0-19-513451-6 - Thomas P. DeFelice: An Introduction to Meteorological Instrumentation and Measurement. Prentice-Hall 2000, 229 p., ISBN 0-13-243270-6 - Fritschen, L.J., Gay L.W.: Environmental Instrumentation, 216 p., Springer, New York 1979. - Lenschow, D.H. (ed.): Probing the Atmospheric Boundary Layer, 269 p., American Meteorological Society, Boston MA 1986. - Meteorological Office (publ.): Handbook of Meteorological Instruments, 8 vols., Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London 1980. - Wang, J.Y., Felton, C.M.M.: Instruments for Physical Environmental measurements, 2 vol., 801 p., Kendall/Hunt Publ. Comp., Dubuque Iowa 1975/76.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Messmethoden in der Meteorologie und Klimaforschung
Die Lehrveranstaltung findet unregelmässig an folgenden Terminen statt: 27.02.; 13.03.; 27.03.; 10.04.; 08.05.; 22.05. Im Wechsel mit 701-0234-00L Messmethoden in der Atmosphärenchemie.
  • Thu 14:15-16:00 (CHN G 42)
1 h weekly

Offered In