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701-1216-00L 4 Credits
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Numerical Simulation of Weather and Climate

Numerische Simulation von Wetter und Klima

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Christoph Schär, Prof. Dr. Martin Wild
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:02:33

Abstract

Introduction to the formulation and use of atmospheric and climate models. Specific themes include: finite difference and spectral methods; adiabatic formulation of atmospheric models; parameterization of physical processes; weather forecasting cycle; predictability; data assimilation, ocean models; climate models; computer excercises (development and implementation of a simple atmospheric model).

Objective

Introduction to the formulation and use of atmospheric and climate models.

Content

The contents of this lecture are: finite difference methods (overview and repetition); adiabatic formulation of atmospheric models (shallow-water equations, primitive and hydrostatic equations); vertical coordinates (z-coordinates, pressure coordinates, terrain-following coordinates, isentropic coordinates); spectral and pseudo-spectral methods; global atmospheric models; parameterization of physical processes (basics, discussion of a few selected schemes); weather forecasting cycle (data assimilation, global und regional numerical weather prediction); climate models (atmospheric and oceanic models, land-surface processes, coupled models, application of climate models to climate change); predictability (chaos theory, ensemble methods, application to medium-range and seasonal forecasting). The lecture also includes a series of excercises (a term project aimed at the development of a simple atmospheric model). This takes 3 lectures, each of them 3 hours in length. The implementation language is FORTRAN (previous experience not necessary, an introduction is provided). Sample programs and graphics tools are supplied.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Is provided.

Literature

Literature list is provided.

General Information

Language
German
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 15 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Numerische Simulation von Wetter und Klima
Uni Irchel I13, M12
  • Wed 10:00-13:00
  • Wed None-None
  • 11.05 Date 10:15-13:00 (HG E 26.1)
  • 08.06 Date 10:15-13:00 (HG E 26.1)
  • 22.06 Date 10:15-13:00 (HG E 26.1)
  • 29.06 Date 10:15-13:00 (HG E 26.1)
3 h weekly

Offered In