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701-1235-00L

Cloud Microphysics

The course will only be held if there is a minimum number of 8 participating students. Priority is given to PhD students majoring in Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, and remaining open spaces will be offered to the following groups: - Msc in Atmospheric and Climate Science - MSc in Environmental Sciences - Fachstudent, University of Bern / MSc in Climate Sciences, University of Bern - Mobility-Students: Earth and Climate Sciences - Mobility-Students: Environmental Sciences All participants will be on the waiting list at first. All students will be informed at the beginning of February, if they can participate in the lecture.Students still on the waiting list on 15.02.2026, are nonetheless encouraged to come to the introductory lecture on 16.02.2026. If more spaces become available later in the week due to dropouts, waitlisted students will be accepted into the course.

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-07-21 00:35:26

Abstract

Clouds are a fascinating atmospheric phenomenon central to the hydrological cycle and the Earth`s climate. Interactions between cloud particles can result in precipitation, glaciation or evaporation of the cloud depending on its microstructure and microphysical processes.

Objective

Students are able to explain the physical processes leading to the formation of clouds and precipitation, and apply these principles to interpret atmospheric observations and solve realistic problems given related to each topic covered in class. Independent supported learning. Students should be able to master the skill of self learning by the end of the course.

Content

see: http://www.iac.ethz.ch/edu/courses/master/modules/cloud-microphysics.html and: https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=24542

Resources

Lecture Notes

This course is designed as a reading course in one small group of 10 students maximum. It will be based on the textbook below. The students are expected to read chapters of this textbook prior to the class so that open issues, fascinating and/or difficult aspects can be discussed in depth.

Literature