Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2019

Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
Atmospheric and Climate Science Master
Electives The students are free to choose individually from the entire course offer of ETH Zürich and the universities of Zürich and Bern.
Weather Systems and Atmospheric Dynamics Courses are only offered in FS.
Climate Processes and Feedbacks Two additional courses are offered in HS by University of Berne.
701-1221-00L	Dynamics of Large-Scale Atmospheric Flow	W	4 credits	2V + 1U	H. Wernli, L. Papritz
Abstract	This lecture course is about the fundamental aspects of the dynamics of extratropical weather systems (quasi-geostropic dynamics, potential vorticity, Rossby waves, baroclinic instability). The fundamental concepts are formally introduced, quantitatively applied and illustrated with examples from the real atmosphere. Exercises (quantitative and qualitative) form an essential part of the course.
Learning objective	Understanding the dynamics of large-scale atmospheric flow
Content	Dynamical Meteorology is concerned with the dynamical processes of the earth's atmosphere. The fundamental equations of motion in the atmosphere will be discussed along with the dynamics and interactions of synoptic system - i.e. the low and high pressure systems that determine our weather. The motion of such systems can be understood in terms of quasi-geostrophic theory. The lecture course provides a derivation of the mathematical basis along with some interpretations and applications of the concept.
Lecture notes	Dynamics of large-scale atmospheric flow
Literature	- Holton J.R., An introduction to Dynamic Meteorogy. Academic Press, fourth edition 2004, - Pichler H., Dynamik der Atmosphäre, Bibliographisches Institut, 456 pp. 1997
Prerequisites / Notice	Physics I, II, Environmental Fluid Dynamics
651-4057-00L	Climate History and Palaeoclimatology	W	3 credits	2G	H. Stoll, I. Hernández Almeida, L. M. Mejía Ramírez
Abstract	Climate history and paleoclimatology explores how the major features of the earth's climate system have varied in the past, and the driving forces and feedbacks for these changes. The major topics include the earth's CO2 concentration and mean temperature, the size and stability of ice sheets and sea level, the amount and distribution of precipitation, and the ocean heat transport.
Learning objective	The student will be able to describe the factors that regulate the earth's mean temperature and the distribution of different climates over the earth. Students will be able to use and understand the construction of simple quantitative models of the Earth's carbon cycle and temperature in Excel, to solve problems from the long term balancing of sinks and sources of carbon, to the Anthropogenic carbon cycle changes of the Anthropocene. Students will be able to interpret evidence of past climate changes from the main climate indicators or proxies recovered in geological records. Students will be able to use data from climate proxies to test if a given hypothesized mechanism for the climate change is supported or refuted. Students will be able to compare the magnitudes and rates of past changes in the carbon cycle, ice sheets, hydrological cycle, and ocean circulation, with predictions for climate changes over the next century to millennia.
Content	1. Overview of elements of the climate system and earth energy balance 2. The Carbon cycle - long and short term regulation and feedbacks of atmospheric CO2. What regulates atmospheric CO2 over long tectonic timescales of millions to tens of millions of years? What are the drivers and feedbacks of transient perturbations like at the latest Palocene? What drives CO2 variations over glacial cycles and what drives it in the Anthropocene? 3. Ice sheets and sea level - What do expansionist glaciers want? What is the natural range of variation in the earth's ice sheets and the consequent effect on sea level? How do cyclic variations in the earth's orbit affect the size of ice sheets under modern climate and under past warmer climates? What conditions the mean size and stability or fragility of the large polar ice caps and is their evidence that they have dynamic behavior? What rates and magnitudes of sea level change have accompanied past ice sheet variations? When is the most recent time of sea level higher than modern, and by how much? What lessons do these have for the future? 4. Atmospheric circulation and variations in the earth's hydrological cycle - How variable are the earth's precipitation regimes? How large are the orbital scale variations in global monsoon systems? Will mean climate change El Nino frequency and intensity? What factors drive change in mid and high-latitude precipitation systems? Is there evidence that changes in water availability have played a role in the rise, demise, or dispersion of past civilizations? 5. The Ocean heat transport - How stable or fragile is the ocean heat conveyor, past and present? When did modern deepwater circulation develop? Will Greenland melting and shifts in precipitation bands, cause the North Atlantic Overturning Circulation to collapse? When and why has this happened before?
701-1257-00L	European Climate Change	W	3 credits	2G	C. Schär, J. Rajczak, S. C. Scherrer
Abstract	The lecture provides an overview of climate change in Europe, from a physical and atmospheric science perspective. It covers the following topics: • observational datasets, observation and detection of climate change; • underlying physical processes and feedbacks; • numerical and statistical approaches; • currently available projections.
Learning objective	At the end of this course, participants should: • understand the key physical processes shaping climate change in Europe; • know about the methodologies used in climate change studies, encompassing observational, numerical, as well as statistical approaches; • be familiar with relevant observational and modeling data sets; • be able to tackle simple climate change questions using available data sets.
Content	Contents: • global context • observational data sets, analysis of climate trends and climate variability in Europe • global and regional climate modeling • statistical downscaling • key aspects of European climate change: intensification of the water cycle, Polar and Mediterranean amplification, changes in extreme events, changes in hydrology and snow cover, topographic effects • projections of European and Alpine climate change
Lecture notes	Slides and lecture notes will be made available at http://www.iac.ethz.ch/edu/courses/master/electives/european-climate-change.html
Prerequisites / Notice	Participants should have a background in natural sciences, and have attended introductory lectures in atmospheric sciences or meteorology.

Atmospheric Composition and Cycles
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
102-0635-01L	Air Pollution Control	W	6 credits	4G	J. Wang, B. Buchmann
Abstract	The lecture provides in the first part an introduction to the formation of air pollutants by technical processes, the emission of these chemicals into the atmosphere and their impact on air quality. The second part covers different strategies and techniques for emission reduction. The basic knowledge is deepened by the discussion of specific air pollution problems of today's society.
Learning objective	The students gain general knowledge of the technical processes resulting in air pollution and study the methods used for air pollution control. The students can identify major air pollution sources and understand the methods for measuring pollutants, collecting and analyzing data. The students can suggest and evaluate possible control methods and equipment, design control systems and estimate their efficiency and efforts. The students know the different strategies of air pollution control and are familiar with their scientific fundamentals. They are able to incorporate goals concerning air quality into their engineering work.
Content	Part 1 Emission, Immission, Transmission Fluxes of pollutants and their environmental impact: - physical and chemical processes leading to emission of pollutants - mass and energy of processes - Emission measurement techniques and concepts - quantification of emissions from individual and aggregated sources - extent and development of the emissions (Switzerland and global) - propagation and transport of pollutants (transmission) - meteorological parameters influencing air pollution dispersion - deterministic and stochastic models, describing air pollution dispersion - dispersion models (Gaussian model, box model, receptor model) - measurement concepts for ambient air (immission level) - extent and development of ambient air mixing ratios - goal and instrument of air pollution control Part 2 Air Pollution Control Technologies The reduction of the formation of pollutants is done by modifying the processes (pro-cessintegrated measures) and by different engineering operations for the cleaning of waste gas (downstream pollution control). It will be demonstrated, that the variety of these procedures can be traced back to the application of a few basic physical and chemical principles. Procedures for the removal of particles (inertial separator, filtration, electrostatic precipitators, scrubbers) with their different mechanisms (field forces, impaction and diffusion processes) and the modelling of these mechanisms. Procedures for the removal of gaseous pollutants and the description of the driving forces involved, as well as the equilibrium and the kinetics of the relevant processes (absorption, adsorption as well as thermal, catalytic and biological conversions). Discussion of the technical possibilities to solve the actual air pollution problems.
Lecture notes	Brigitte Buchmann, Air pollution control, Part I Jing Wang, Air pollution control, Part II Lecture slides and exercises
Literature	List of literature included in script
Prerequisites / Notice	College lectures on basic physics, chemistry and mathematics. Language of instruction: In German or in English.
701-1235-00L	Cloud Microphysics Number of participants limited to 16. Priority is given to PhD students majoring in Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, and remaining open spaces will be offered to the following groups: - PhD student Environmental sciences - MSc in Atmospheric and climate science - MSc in Environmental sciences All participants will be on the waiting list at first. Enrollment is possible until September 15th. The waiting list is active until September 27th. All students will be informed on September 16th, if they can participate in the lecture. The lecture takes place if a minimum of 5 students register for it.	W	4 credits	2V + 1U	Z. A. Kanji, U. Lohmann
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.
Learning objective	The learning objective of this course is that students understand the formation of clouds and precipitation and can apply learned principles to interpret atmospheric observations of clouds and precipitation.
Content	see: http://www.iac.ethz.ch/edu/courses/master/modules/cloud-microphysics.html
Lecture notes	This course will be designed as a reading course in 1-2 small groups of 8 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	Pao K. Wang: Physics and dynamics of clouds and precipitation, Cambridge University Press, 2012
Prerequisites / Notice	Target group: Doctoral and Master students in Atmosphere and Climate
651-4053-05L	Boundary Layer Meteorology	W	4 credits	3G	M. Rotach, P. Calanca
Abstract	The Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) constitutes the interface between the atmosphere and the Earth's surface. Theory on transport processes in the PBL and their dynamics is provided. This course treats theoretical background and idealized concepts. These are contrasted to real world applications and current research issues.
Learning objective	Overall goals of this course are given below. Focus is on the theoretical background and idealised concepts. Students have basic knowledge on atmospheric turbulence and theoretical as well as practical approaches to treat Planetary Boundary Layer flows. They are familiar with the relevant processes (turbulent transport, forcing) within, and typical states of the Planetary Boundary Layer. Idealized concepts are known as well as their adaptations under real surface conditions (as for example over complex topography).
Content	- Introduction - Turbulence - Statistical tratment of turbulence, turbulent transport - Conservation equations in a turbulent flow - Closure problem and closure assumptions - Scaling and similarity theory - Spectral characteristics - Concepts for non-ideal boundary layer conditions
Lecture notes	available (i.e. in English)
Literature	- Stull, R.B.: 1988, "An Introduction to Boundary Layer Meteorology", (Kluwer), 666 pp. - Panofsky, H. A. and Dutton, J.A.: 1984, "Atmospheric Turbulence, Models and Methods for Engineering Applications", (J. Wiley), 397 pp. - Kaimal JC and Finningan JJ: 1994, Atmospheric Boundary Layer Flows, Oxford University Press, 289 pp. - Wyngaard JC: 2010, Turbulence in the Atmosphere, Cambridge University Press, 393pp.
Prerequisites / Notice	Umwelt-Fluiddynamik (701-0479-00L) (environment fluid dynamics) or equivalent and basic knowledge in atmospheric science

Climate History and Paleoclimatology Two courses are offered in autumn semester at University of Berne. ETH courses are only offered in FS.
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
651-4041-00L	Sedimentology I: Physical Processes and Sedimentary Systems	W	3 credits	2G	V. Picotti
Abstract	Sediments preserved a record of past landscapes. This courses focuses on understanding the processes that modify sedimentary landscapes with time and how we can read this changes in the sedimentary record.
Learning objective	The students learn basic concepts of modern sedimentology and stratigraphy in the context of sequence stratigraphy and sea level change. They discuss the advantages and pitfalls of the method and look beyond. In particular we pay attention to introducing the importance of considering entire sediment routing systems and understanding their functionning.
Content	Details on the program will be handed out during the first lecture. We will attribute the papers for presentation on the 26th, so please be here on that day!
Literature	The sedimentary record of sea-level change Angela Coe, the Open University. Cambridge University Press
Prerequisites / Notice	The grading of students is based on in-class exercises and end-semester examination.
651-4043-00L	Sedimentology II: Biological and Chemical Processes in Lacustrine and Marine Systems Prerequisite: Successful completion of the MSc-course "Sedimentology I" (651-4041-00L).	W	3 credits	2G	V. Picotti, A. Gilli, I. Hernández Almeida, H. Stoll
Abstract	The course will focus on biological amd chemical aspects of sedimentation in marine environments. Marine sedimentation will be traced from coast to deep-sea. The use of stable isotopes palaeoceanography will be discussed. Neritic, hemipelagic and pelagic sediments will be used as proxies for environmental change during times of major perturbations of climate and oceanography.
Learning objective	-You will understand chemistry and biology of the marine carbonate system -You will be able to relate carbonate mineralogy with facies and environmental conditions -You will be familiar with cool-water and warm-water carbonates -You will see carbonate and organic-carbon rich sediments as part of the global carbon cycle -You will be able to recognize links between climate and marine carbonate systems (e.g. acidification of oceans and reef growth) -You will be able to use geological archives as source of information on global change -You will have an overview of marine sedimentation through time
Content	-carbonates,: chemistry, mineralogy, biology -carbonate sedimentation from the shelf to the deep sea -carbonate facies -cool-water and warm-water carbonates -organic-carbon and black shales -C-cycle, carbonates, Corg : CO2 sources and sink -Carbonates: their geochemical proxies for environmental change: stable isotopes, Mg/Ca, Sr -marine sediments thorugh geological time -carbonates and evaporites -lacustrine carbonates -economic aspects of limestone
Lecture notes	no script. scientific articles will be distributed during the course
Literature	We will read and critically discuss scientific articles relevant for "biological and chemical processes in marine and lacustrine systems"
Prerequisites / Notice	The grading of students is based on in-class exercises and end-semester examination.
651-4901-00L	Quaternary Dating Methods	W	3 credits	2G	I. Hajdas, M. Christl, S. Ivy Ochs
Abstract	Reconstruction of time scales is critical for all Quaternary studies in both Geology and Archeology. Various methods are applied depending on the time range of interest and the archive studied. In this lecture, we focus on the last 50 ka and the methods that are most frequently used for dating Quaternary sediments and landforms in this time range.
Learning objective	Students will be made familiar with the details of the six dating methods through lectures on basic principles, analysis of case studies, solving of problem sets for age calculation and visits to dating laboratories. At the end of the course students will: 1. understand the fundamental principles of the most frequently used dating methods for Quaternary studies. 2. be able to calculate an age based on data of the six methods studied. 3. choose which dating method (or combination of methods) is suitable for a certain field problem. 4. critically read and evaluate the application of dating methods in scientific publications.
Content	1. Introduction: Time scales for the Quaternary, Isotopes and decay 2. Radiocarbon dating: principles and applications 3. Cosmogenic nuclides: 3He,10Be, 14C, 21Ne, 26Cl, 36Cl 4. U-series disequilibrium dating 5. Luminescence dating 6. Introduction to incremental: varve counting, dendrochronology and ice cores chronologies 7. Cs-137 and Pb-210 (soil, sediments, ice core) 8. Summary and comparison of results from several dating methods at specific sites
Prerequisites / Notice	Visit to radiocarbon lab, cosmogenic nuclide lab, accelerator (AMS) facility. Visit to Limno Lab and sampling a sediment core Optional (individual): 1-5 days hands-on radiocarbon dating at the C14 lab at ETH Hoenggerebrg Required: attending the lecture, visiting laboratories, handing back solutions for problem sets (Exercises)

Hydrology and Water Cycle
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
651-4023-00L	Groundwater	W	4 credits	3G	X.‑Z. Kong, B. Marti
Abstract	The course provides an introduction into quantitative analysis of groundwater flow and solute transport. It is focussed on understanding, formulating, and solving groundwater flow and solute transport problems.
Learning objective	a) Students understand the basic concepts of groundwater flow and solute transport processes, and boundary conditions. b) Students are able to formulate simple, practical groundwater flow and solute transport problems. c) Students are able to understand and apply simple analytical and/or numerical solutions to fluid flow and solute transport problems.
Content	1. Introduction to groundwater problems. Concepts to quantify properties of aquifers. 2. Flow equation. The generalised Darcy law. 3. The water balance equation and basic concepts of poroelasticity. 4. Boundary conditions. Formulation of flow problems. 5. Analytical solutions to flow problems 6. Finitie difference scheme solution for simple flow problems. 7. Numerical solution using finitie difference scheme. 8. Concepts of transport modelling. Mass balance equation for contaminants. 9. Boundary conditons. Formulation of contaminant transport problems in groundwater. 10. Analytical solutions to transport problems. 11. Fractured and karst aquifers. 12. The unsaturated zone and capillary pressure. 13. Examples of applied hydrogeology from Switzerland and around the world. (Given by Dr. Beatrice Marti from Hydrosolutions Ltd.)
Lecture notes	Handouts of slides.
Literature	Bear J., Hydraulics of Groundwater, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1979 Domenico P.A., and F.W. Schwartz, Physical and Chemical Hydrogeology, J. Wilson & Sons, New York, 1990 Chiang und Kinzelbach, 3-D Groundwater Modeling with PMWIN. Springer, 2001. Kruseman G.P., de Ridder N.A., Analysis and evaluation of pumping test data. Wageningen International Institute for Land Reclamation and Improvement, 1991. de Marsily G., Quantitative Hydrogeology, Academic Press, 1986
102-0287-00L	Fluvial Systems	W	3 credits	2G	P. Molnar
Abstract	The course presents a view of the processes acting on and shaping the landscape and the fluvial landforms that result. The fluvial system is viewed in terms of the production and transport of sediment on hillslopes, the structure of the river network and channel morphology, fluvial processes in the river, riparian zone and floodplain, and basics of catchment and river management.
Learning objective	The course has two fundamental aims: (1) it aims to provide environmental engineers with the physical process basis of fluvial system change, using the right language and terminology to describe landforms; and (2) it aims to provide quantitative skills in making simple and more complex predictions of change and the data and models required.
Content	The course consists of three sections: (1) Introduction to fluvial forms and processes and geomorphic concepts of landscape change, including climatic and human activities acting on the system. (2) The processes of sediment production, upland sheet-rill-gully erosion, basin sediment yield, rainfall-triggered landsliding, sediment budgets, and the modelling of the individual processes involved. (3) Processes in the river, floodplain and riparian zone, including river network topology, channel geometry, aquatic habitat, role of riparian vegetation, including basics of fluvial system management. The main focus of the course is hydrological and the scales of interest are field and catchment scales.
Lecture notes	There is no script.
Literature	The course materials consist of a series of 13 lecture presentations and notes to each lecture. The lectures were developed from textbooks, professional papers, and ongoing research activities of the instructor. All material is on the course webpage.
Prerequisites / Notice	Prerequisites: Hydrology 1 and Hydrology 2 (or contact instructor).
701-0535-00L	Environmental Soil Physics/Vadose Zone Hydrology	W	3 credits	2G + 2U	D. Or
Abstract	The course provides theoretical and practical foundations for understanding and characterizing physical and transport properties of soils/ near-surface earth materials, and quantifying hydrological processes and fluxes of mass and energy at multiple scales. Emphasis is given to land-atmosphere interactions, the role of plants on hydrological cycles, and biophysical processes in soils.
Learning objective	Students are able to - characterize quantitative knowledge needed to measure and parameterize structural, flow and transport properties of partially-saturated porous media. - quantify driving forces and resulting fluxes of water, solute, and heat in soils. - apply modern measurement methods and analytical tools for hydrological data collection - conduct and interpret a limited number of experimental studies - explain links between physical processes in the vadose-zone and major societal and environmental challenges
Content	Weeks 1 to 3: Physical Properties of Soils and Other Porous Media – Units and dimensions, definitions and basic mass-volume relationships between the solid, liquid and gaseous phases; soil texture; particle size distributions; surface area; soil structure. Soil colloids and clay behavior Soil Water Content and its Measurement - Definitions; measurement methods - gravimetric, neutron scattering, gamma attenuation; and time domain reflectometry; soil water storage and water balance. Weeks 4 to 5: Soil Water Retention and Potential (Hydrostatics) - The energy state of soil water; total water potential and its components; properties of water (molecular, surface tension, and capillary rise); modern aspects of capillarity in porous media; units and calculations and measurement of equilibrium soil water potential components; soil water characteristic curves definitions and measurements; parametric models; hysteresis. Modern aspects of capillarity Demo-Lab: Laboratory methods for determination of soil water characteristic curve (SWC), sensor pairing Weeks 6 to 9: Water Flow in Soil - Hydrodynamics: Part 1 - Laminar flow in tubes (Poiseuille's Law); Darcy's Law, conditions and states of flow; saturated flow; hydraulic conductivity and its measurement. Lab #1: Measurement of saturated hydraulic conductivity in uniform and layered soil columns using the constant head method. Part 2 - Unsaturated steady state flow; unsaturated hydraulic conductivity models and applications; non-steady flow and Richard’s Eq.; approximate solutions to infiltration (Green-Ampt, Philip); field methods for estimating soil hydraulic properties. Midterm exam Lab #2: Measurement of vertical infiltration into dry soil column - Green-Ampt, and Philip's approximations; infiltration rates and wetting front propagation. Part 3 - Use of Hydrus model for simulation of unsaturated flow Week 10 to 11: Energy Balance and Land Atmosphere Interactions - Radiation and energy balance; evapotranspiration definitions and estimation; transpiration, plant development and transpirtation coefficients – small and large scale influences on hydrological cycle; surface evaporation. Week 12 to 13: Solute Transport in Soils – Transport mechanisms of solutes in porous media; breakthrough curves; convection-dispersion eq.; solutions for pulse and step solute application; parameter estimation; salt balance. Lab #3: Miscible displacement and breakthrough curves for a conservative tracer through a column; data analysis and transport parameter estimation. Additional topics: Temperature and Heat Flow in Porous Media - Soil thermal properties; steady state heat flow; nonsteady heat flow; estimation of thermal properties; engineering applications. Biological Processes in the Vaodse Zone – An overview of below-ground biological activity (plant roots, microbial, etc.); interplay between physical and biological processes. Focus on soil-atmosphere gaseous exchange; and challenges for bio- and phytoremediation.
Lecture notes	Classnotes on website: Vadose Zone Hydrology, by Or D., J.M. Wraith, and M. Tuller (available at the beginning of the semester) http://www.step.ethz.ch/education/vadose-zone-hydrology.html
Literature	Supplemental textbook (not mandatory) -Environmental Soil Physics, by: D. Hillel
651-2915-00L	Seminar in Hydrology	Z	0 credits	1S	P. Burlando, J. W. Kirchner, S. Löw, D. Or, C. Schär, M. Schirmer, S. I. Seneviratne, M. Stähli, C. H. Stamm, University lecturers
Abstract
Learning objective

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.
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-0471-01L	Atmospheric Chemistry	W	3 credits	2G	M. Ammann, T. Peter
Abstract	The lecture provides an introduction to atmospheric chemistry at bachelor level. It introduces the kinetics of gas phase reactions, the concept of solubility and reactions in aerosols and in clouds and explains the chemical and physical mechanisms responsible for global (e.g. stratospheric ozone depletion) as well as regional (e.g. urban air pollution) environmental problems.
Learning objective	The students will understand the basics of gas phase reactions and of reactions and processes in aerosols and clouds. The students will understand the most important chemical processes in the troposphere and the stratosphere. The students will also acquire a good understanding of atmospheric environmental problems including air pollution, stratospheric ozone destruction and changes in the oxidative capacity of the global atmosphere.
Content	- Origin and properties of the atmosphere: composition (gases and aerosols), structure, large scale dynamics, UV radiation - Thermodynamics and kinetics of gas phase reactions: enthalpy and free energy of reactions, rate laws, mechanisms of bimolecular and termolecular reactions. - Tropospheric photochemistry: Photolysis reactions, photochemical O3 formation, role and budget of HOx, dry and wet deposition - Aerosols and clouds: chemical properties, primary and secondary aerosol sources, solubility of gases, hygroscopicity, kinetics of gas to particle transfer, N2O5 chemistry, SO2 oxidation, secondary organic aerosols - Air quality: role of planetary boundary layer, summer- versus winter-smog, environmental problems, legislation, long-term trends - Stratospheric chemistry: Chapman cycle, Brewer-Dobson circulation, catalytic ozone destruction cycles, polar ozone hole, Montreal protocol - Global aspects: global budgets of ozone, methane, CO and NOx, air quality - climate interactions
Lecture notes	Vorlesungsunterlagen (Folien) werden laufend während des Semesters jeweils mind. 2 Tage vor der Vorlesung zur Verfügung gestellt.
Prerequisites / Notice	Attendance of the lecture "Atmosphäre" LV 701-0023-00L or equivalent is a pre-requisite, and basic courses in physics and chemistry are expected. On Mondays (or upon agreement) a tutorial is offered. This allows the students to discuss unresolved issues from the lecture or to discuss the problems of the exercise series.
701-0473-00L	Weather Systems	W	3 credits	2G	M. A. Sprenger, F. S. Scholder-Aemisegger
Abstract	Satellite 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
Learning objective	The students are able to - explain up-to-date meteorological observation techniques and the basic methods of theoretical atmospheric dynamics - to discuss the mathematical basis 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
Content	Satellite 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
Lecture notes	Lecture notes and slides
Literature	Atmospheric Science, An Introductory Survey John M. Wallace and Peter V. Hobbs, Academic Press
701-0475-00L	Atmospheric Physics	W	3 credits	2G	U. Lohmann, A. Beck
Abstract	This course covers the basics of atmospheric physics, which consist of: cloud and precipitation formation especially prediction of thunderstorm development, aerosol physics as well as artificial weather modification.
Learning objective	Students are able - to explain the mechanisms of thunderstorm formation using knowledge of thermodynamics and cloud microphysics. - to evaluate the significance of clouds and aerosol particles for artificial weather modification.
Content	Moist processes/thermodynamics; aerosol physics; cloud formation; precipitation processes, thunderstorms; importance of aerosols and clouds for weather modification
Lecture notes	Powerpoint slides and chapters from the textbook will be made available
Literature	Lohmann, U., Lüönd, F. and Mahrt, F., An Introduction to Clouds: From the Microscale to Climate, Cambridge Univ. Press, 391 pp., 2016.
Prerequisites / Notice	50% of the time we use the concept of "flipped classroom" (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flipped_classroom), which we introduce at the beginning. We offer a lab tour, in which we demonstrate how some of the processes discussed in the lectures are measured with instruments. There is a additional tutorial right after each lecture to give you the chance to ask further questions and discuss the exercises. The participation is recommended but voluntary.
701-0461-00L	Numerical Methods in Environmental Sciences	W	3 credits	2G	C. Schär
Abstract	This lecture imparts the mathematical basis necessary for the development and application of numerical models in the field of Environmental Science. The lecture material includes an introduction into numerical techniques for solving ordinary and partial differential equations, as well as exercises aimed at the realization of simple models.
Learning objective	This lecture imparts the mathematical basis necessary for the development and application of numerical models in the field of Environmental Science. The lecture material includes an introduction into numerical techniques for solving ordinary and partial differential equations, as well as exercises aimed at the realization of simple models.
Content	Classification of numerical problems, introduction to finite-difference methods, time integration schemes, non-linearity, conservative numerical techniques, an overview of spectral and finite-element methods. Examples and exercises from a diverse cross-section of Environmental Science. Three obligatory exercises, each two hours in length, are integrated into the lecture. The implementation language is Python (previous experience not necessary: a Phython introduction is given). Example programs and graphics tools are supplied.
Lecture notes	Per Web auf Link
Literature	List of literature is provided.

Additional Electives ETH
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
651-4273-00L	Numerical Modelling in Fortran	W	3 credits	2V	P. Tackley
Abstract	This course gives an introduction to programming in FORTRAN95, and is suitable for students who have only minimal programming experience. The focus will be on Fortran 95, but Fortran 77 will also be covered for those working with already-existing codes. A hands-on approach will be emphasized rather than abstract concepts.
Learning objective	FORTRAN 95 is a modern programming language that is specifically designed for scientific and engineering applications. This course gives an introduction to programming in this language, and is suitable for students who have only minimal programming experience, for example with MATLAB scripts. The focus will be on Fortran 95, but Fortran 77 will also be covered for those working with already-existing codes. A hands-on approach will be emphasized rather than abstract concepts, using example scientific problems relevant to Earth science.
Lecture notes	See http://jupiter.ethz.ch/~pjt/FORTRAN/FortranClass.html
701-1257-00L	European Climate Change	W	3 credits	2G	C. Schär, J. Rajczak, S. C. Scherrer
Abstract	The lecture provides an overview of climate change in Europe, from a physical and atmospheric science perspective. It covers the following topics: • observational datasets, observation and detection of climate change; • underlying physical processes and feedbacks; • numerical and statistical approaches; • currently available projections.
Learning objective	At the end of this course, participants should: • understand the key physical processes shaping climate change in Europe; • know about the methodologies used in climate change studies, encompassing observational, numerical, as well as statistical approaches; • be familiar with relevant observational and modeling data sets; • be able to tackle simple climate change questions using available data sets.
Content	Contents: • global context • observational data sets, analysis of climate trends and climate variability in Europe • global and regional climate modeling • statistical downscaling • key aspects of European climate change: intensification of the water cycle, Polar and Mediterranean amplification, changes in extreme events, changes in hydrology and snow cover, topographic effects • projections of European and Alpine climate change
Lecture notes	Slides and lecture notes will be made available at http://www.iac.ethz.ch/edu/courses/master/electives/european-climate-change.html
Prerequisites / Notice	Participants should have a background in natural sciences, and have attended introductory lectures in atmospheric sciences or meteorology.
701-1281-00L	Self-learning Course on Advanced Topics in Atmospheric and Climate Science Please contact one of the professors listed under prerequisites/notice if you plan to take this course. Students are allowed to enroll in both courses 701-1280-00L & 701-1281-00L Self-learning Course on Advanced Topics in Atmospheric and Climate Science but have to choose different supervisors.	W	3 credits	6A	Supervisors
Abstract	This course offers an individual pathway to deepen knowledge and understanding of a specific advanced topic in atmospheric and climate science in one of these fields: - atmospheric chemistry - atmospheric circulation and predictability - atmospheric dynamics - atmospheric physics - climate modeling - climate physics - land-climate dynamics
Learning objective	The learning goals of this course are threefold: 1) obtain novel insight into an advanced scientific topic, 2) train the self-study competences in particular related to reading of advanced textbooks and writing a concise summary, and 3) gain experience in the scientific interaction with experts. The format of the course is complementary to other types of teaching (lectures and seminars) and addresses skills that are essential for a wide range of professional activities (including a PhD).
Content	The course has the following elements: Week 1: Selection of specific topic and decision about reading material (textbook chapters and maybe 1-2 review papers) Week 2: General discussion about self-study skills (how to read scientific literature and write summaries; specifics of scientific writing; how to prepare efficient meetings). For the scientific writing, students are encouraged to participate in an online training course offered by Stanford University: https://lagunita.stanford.edu/courses/Medicine/SciWrite-SP/SelfPaced/about Weeks 6 and 9: Meetings with supervisor to clarify scientific questions Week 12: Hand-in of written summary (4 pages maximum) Week 14: Supervisor provides written feedback to the summary document Week 16: Oral exam about the scientific topic
Literature	Literature (including book chapters, scientific publications) will be provided by the responsible supervisor in coordination with the student.
Prerequisites / Notice	Prerequisites depend on the chosen field and include successful completion of the listed lecture courses: • atmospheric dynamics: “Dynamics of large-scale atmospheric flow” (701-1221-00L) • atmospheric chemistry: “Stratospheric Chemistry” (701-1233-00L) or “Tropospheric Chemistry” (701-1234-00L) or “Aerosols I” (402-0572-00L). • atmospheric physics: “Atmospheric Physics” (701-0475-00L) • climate physics: “Klimasysteme” (701-0412-00L) or equivalent • land-climate dynamics: “Land-climate dynamics” (701-1251-00L) • climate modeling: “Numerical modeling of weather and climate” (701-1216-00L) (parallel attendance possible) • atmospheric circulation and predictability: “Dynamics of large-scale atmospheric flow” (701-1221-00L) If you plan to take this course, please contact one of the professors according to your interest. • atmospheric chemistry (Prof. T. Peter) • atmospheric circulation and predictability (Prof. D. Domeisen) • atmospheric dynamics (Prof. H. Wernli) • atmospheric physics (Prof. U. Lohmann) • climate modeling (Prof. C. Schär) • climate physics (Prof. R. Knutti) • land-climate dynamics (Prof. S. Seneviratne)

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