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651-3660-00L 3 Credits BSC D-ERDW

Analysis of Time Series in Earth and Climate Sciences

Analyse von Zeitreihen in den Erd- und Klimawissenschaften

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Florian Haslinger, Dr. Anne Obermann, Dr. Richard Amon Kramer
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:22

Abstract

Time series play a central role in many areas of environmental and geosciences — from the analysis of seismic waves and climate data to ocean currents and atmospheric processes. In this course, students learn methods for processing such data, identifying patterns, and gaining a deeper understanding of the underlying processes.

Objective

Students acquire an understanding of fundamental methods of time series analysis and learn to apply them independently to measurement data. They understand the types of quantitative insights that can be gained from the analysis of time-dependent data and develop practical skills in data analysis using Python.

Content

Using real datasets from Earth and climate sciences as well as mathematical models, fundamental concepts are introduced and methods are applied in practice: • Deterministic and stochastic processes and trend analysis – characterizing regularity and randomness in data and identifying temporal developments • Stationarity and non-stationarity – detecting and handling changing structures • Sampling theorem and data preprocessing – foundations of digital signal processing • Auto- and cross-correlation – relationships within and between datasets • Fourier transformation – frequency-based representation of signals and spectral analysis In practical exercises, students apply the methods using Python Jupyter Notebooks.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes and exercises on the moodle plattform.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Die Informationen zum Prüfungsmodus werden in der ersten Lektion bekannt gegeben.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Analyse von Zeitreihen in den Erd- und Klimawissenschaften
Diese Lehrveranstaltung besteht pro Woche aus einer Stunde Vorlesung und einer Stunde Uebungen am Computer.
  • Tue 08:15-10:00 (NO F 39)
2 h weekly

Offered In

  • Earth and Climate Sciences Bachelor
    • Majors
      • Major: Geology and Geophysics (Advisors of the major in Geology and Geophysics are Dr. Vincenzo Picotti (Geology) and Dr. Andrea Zunino (Geophysics).)
      • Major: Climate and Water (Dr. Hanna Joos, Institute for Climate and Atmosphere, is available for consultations in the Climate and Water specialisation.)
        • Electives (Additional courses can be chosen from the complete offerings of the ETH Zurich and University of Zurich. The following elective courses are strongly recommended for students interested in the "Space Systems" focus: - 701-0106-00L Mathematik V: Angewandte Vertiefung von Mathematik I - III)