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 Data might be outdated or incorrect.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

701-0473-AAL 3 Credits MSC D-USYS , D-ERDW
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Weather Systems

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Michael Armand Sprenger, Dr. Iris Thurnherr
Enrolment ONLY for MSc students with a decree declaring this course unit as an additional admission requirement. Any other students (e.g. incoming exchange students, doctoral students) CANNOT enrol for this course unit.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:32

Abstract

The students learn about the dynamical features of the Earth's atmosphere. They interpret satellite imagery and learn about basic concepts in dynamical meteorology. The global circulation is briefly discussed, before introducing the Eulerian and the Lagrangian perspective, which are used to study air streams in extratropical cyclones and to investigate basic aspects in mountain meteorology.

Objective

The students are able to - explain basic measurement and analysis techniques that are relevant in atmospheric dynamics - to discuss the mathematical basics of atmospheric dynamics, based on selected atmospheric flow phenomena - to explain the basic dynamics of the global circulation and of synoptic- and meso-scale flow features - to explain how mountains influence the atmospheric flow on different scales - basic understanding of the role of moist adiabatic processes for weather systems and why stable water isotopes are useful in this context

Content

Satellite observations; analysis of vertical soundings; geostrophic and thermal wind; cyclones at mid-latitude; global circulation; north-atlantic oscillation; atmospheric blocking situtations; Eulerian and Lagrangian perspective; potential vorticity; Alpine dynamics (storms, orographic wind); planetary boundary layer

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes and slides

Literature

Atmospheric Science, An Introductory Survey John M. Wallace and Peter V. Hobbs, Academic Press

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Semesterly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
revision course / private study Weather Systems
Self-study course. No presence required. Please contact Dr. Michael Sprenger for further information.
No time listed 90 h semesterly

Offered In