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 Data might be outdated or incorrect.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

701-1228-00L 4 Credits BSC , DR , MSC D-USYS , D-MATH

Cloud Dynamics: Hurricanes

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Ulrike Lohmann, Neil Aellen

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:18

Abstract

Hurricanes are among the most destructive elements in the atmosphere. This lecture will discuss the physical requirements for their formation, life cycle, damage potential and their relationship to global warming. It also distinguishes hurricanes from midlatitude convective storms and tornadoes.

Objective

At the end of this course students will be able to distinguish the formation and life cycle mechanisms of tropical cyclones from those of extratropical convective storms and low pressure systems, project how tropical cyclones change in a warmer climate based on their physics and evaluate different tropical cyclone modification ideas.

Content

see course outline on moodle

Resources

Lecture Notes

Slides will be made available

Literature

A literature list can be found on moodle

Learning Materials (Links)

Main link
Information

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , DR , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: end-of-semester examination
Mode: oral 15 minutes

The performance assessments of this lecture consists of the following elements:- The final oral exam counts either 70 or 100%.- An interim examination: The interim examination is voluntary but highly recommended. It counts 30% to the final grade if it increases the grade.- Compulsory continuous performance assessment (pass/fail): active participation in the UN congress.- Bonus: A bonus of a quarter grade can be obtained if at least 10 points are obtained in the Q&A forum (one point will be given for posting a question to a given topic and two points for correctly responding to a question).

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Cloud Dynamics: Hurricanes	Tue 10:15-12:00 (IFW A 32.1) Tue 12:15-13:00 (IFW A 32.1)	3 h weekly

Offered In

Computational Science and Engineering Bachelor
- Additional Electives from the Fields of Specialization (CSE Master) (recognition of 227-0662-00L and 227-0662-10L requires the successful completion of both course units)
Computational Science and Engineering Master
- Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed. All courses listed as core courses (not electives) for one of the following ETH MSc programmes, MSc Statistics, MSc Physics, MSc Computer Science, MSc (Applied) Mathematics, MSc Neural Systems and Computation, MSc Robotics, Systems, and Control, MSc Data Science, MSc Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, can be taken as an elective course in the MSc CSE without prior permission.)
- Fields of Specialization
  - Physics of the Atmosphere
Environmental Sciences Master
- Major in Atmosphere and Climate
  - Climate Processes and Feedbacks
Doctorate Environmental Systems Sciences (More Information at: )
- Subject Specialisation
  - Environmental Sciences
    - Atmosphere and Climate