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701-0473-00L 3 Credits BSC , MSC D-USYS , D-MATH , D-ERDW , D-INFK , D-ITET , D-CHAB
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Weather Systems

Wettersysteme

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Michael Armand Sprenger, Dr. Iris Thurnherr
VVZ CR n/a

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

Abstract

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; water isotopes

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 stable water isotopes as tracers for moist adiabatic processes in weather systems

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; water vapour transport in the atmosphere; water isotopes

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
German
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 60 minutes
Aids
2-seitige Zusammenfassung
Drei freiwillige Quizzes und eine Fallstudie finden während dem Semester statt und werden bewertet. Die drei besten der vier Bewertungen werden zu einer Note verrechnet.Diese Lernelemente können insgesamt zu einer Erhöhung der Gesamtnote der Lerneinheit im Umfang von maximal 0.25 Notenpunkten führen. Die Maximalnote 6 für die Lerneinheit kann auch erreicht werden, wenn nur die Schlussprüfung absolviert wird.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Wettersysteme
  • Tue 10:15-12:00 (HG D 5.2)
  • 29.10 Date 14:15-15:00 (CHN G 46)
  • 19.11 Date 14:15-15:00 (CHN G 46)
2 h weekly

Offered In