701-0473-00L  Weather Systems

SemesterAutumn Semester 2022
LecturersM. A. Sprenger, F. S. Scholder-Aemisegger
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionGerman


AbstractSatellite observations; analysis of vertical soundings; geostrophic and thermal wind; cyclones at mid-latitude; global circulation; north-atlantic oscillation; atmospheric blocking situtations; Eulerian and Lagrangian perspective; Potential Vorticity; Alpine dynamics (storms, orographic wind); planetary boundary layer; water isotopes
Learning objectiveThe students are able to
- explain basic measurement and analysis techniques that are relevant in atmospheric dynamics
- to discuss the mathematical basics of atmospheric dynamics, based on selected atmospheric flow phenomena
- to explain the basic dynamics of the global circulation and of synoptic- and meso-scale flow features
- to explain how mountains influence the atmospheric flow on different scales
- basic understanding of stable water isotopes as tracers for moist adiabatic processes in weather systems
ContentSatellite observations; analysis of vertical soundings; geostrophic and thermal wind; cyclones at mid-latitude; global circulation; north-atlantic oscillation; atmospheric blocking situtations; Eulerian and Lagrangian perspective; Potential Vorticity; Alpine dynamics (storms, orographic wind); planetary boundary layer; water vapour transport in the atmosphere; water isotopes
Lecture notesLecture notes and slides
LiteratureAtmospheric Science, An Introductory Survey
John M. Wallace and Peter V. Hobbs, Academic Press
Prerequisites / NoticeBasic physics