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Climate Systems
Klimasysteme
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:19:28
Abstract
This course aims at introducing the most important components of the climate systems and their interactions.
Objective
This course aims at introducing the most important components of the climate systems and their interactions.
Content
The focal points of this course are the atmosphere (structure, radiative processes, energy budget) and the ocean (structure, wind-driven circulation, thermohaline circulation). Special attention is devoted to the large-scale effects of clouds, the greenhouse effect, the variability in the climate system (El Niño Southern Oszillation, North Atlantic Oscillation), the role of the vegetation, and the impact of anthropogenic activities. In addition, the course introduces methods for the analysis of climatic data. The lecture is supplemented with a number of computer exercises.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Lecture notes are provided.
Literature
A comprehensive list of references is provided in the class. Two books are particularly recommended: - Hartmann, D., 1994: Global Physical Climatology. Academic Press, London, 411 pp. - Peixoto, J.P. and A.H. Oort, 1992: Physics of Climate. American Institute of Physics, New York, 520 pp.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Klimasysteme |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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General Courses in Earth Sciences (The general courses in Earth Sciences are offered in the 3rd and 4th semester. 35 credits of totally 40 ctedits have to be acquired.)
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Major in Climate and Water: Electives (Advisor of the BSc-major "Climate and Water" is Dr. M. Wüest, Institute for climate and atmosphere (IAC).)
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Major Core Courses (From the core courses of the 5th and 6th semester, 14 credits have to be acquired.)
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Electives (The students are free to choose individually from the entire course offer of ETH Zürich and the universities of Zürich and Bern.)
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Prerequisites (The definition of prerequisites is part of the admission procedure for the master studies. You are informed by the admission office as to what courses of the section «prerequisites» you have to catch up with. You are accredited for these courses in the electives block of the master studies.)
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