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Meteorological Instrumentation and Observation
Messmethoden in der Meteorologie
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:29:35
Abstract
Physical, technical, and theoretical basics for measuring physical quantities in the atmosphere. Considerations related to the planning of observation campaigns and to data evaluation.
Objective
Become sensitive for specific problems when making measurements in the atmosphere under severe environmental conditions. Know the different methods and techniques for observing a specific atmospheric parameter. Find the optimal observation strategy in terms of choice of instrument, frequency of observation, accuracy, etc.
Content
Problems related to time series analysis, sampling theorem, time constant and sampling rate. Theoretical analysis of different sensors for temperature, humidity, wind, and pressure. Discussion of effects disturbing the instruments. Principles of active and passive remote sensing. Measuring turbulent fluxes (e.g. heatflux) using eddy-correlation technique. Discussion of technical realizations of complex observing systems (radiosondes, automatic weather stations, radar, wind profilers). Demonstration of instruments.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Students can download a copy of the lectures as PDF-files. In addition, an excerpt of an English script is available at the price for copying.
Literature
- Fritschen, L.J., Gay L.W.: Environmental Instrumentation, 216 p., Springer, New York 1979. - Lenschow, D.H. (ed.): Probing the Atmospheric Boundary Layer, 269 p., American Meteorological Society, Boston MA 1986. - Meteorological Office (publ.): Handbook of Meteorological Instruments, 8 vols., Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London 1980. - Wang, J.Y., Felton, C.M.M.: Instruments for Physical Environmental measurements, 2 vol., 801 p., Kendall/Hunt Publ. Comp., Dubuque Iowa 1975/76.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Messmethoden in der Meteorologie
alternierend mit 701-0234-00
|
|
1 h weekly |
Offered In
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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 Electives (From the elective courses of the 5th and 6th semester, 24 credits have to be acquired. Other courses have to be granted by the advisor, Dr. M. Wüest, IAC.)
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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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