Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2021

Environmental Sciences Master Information
Major in Atmosphere and Climate
Climate History and Paleoclimatology
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-1317-00LGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles and ClimateW3 credits3GN. Gruber, M. Vogt
AbstractThe human-induced emissions of carbon dioxide has led to atmospheric CO2 concentrations that Earth likely has no’t seen for the last 30 million years. This course aims to investigate and understand the impact of humans on Earth's biogeochemical cycles with a focus on the carbon cycle and its interaction with the physical climate system for the past, the present, and the future.
ObjectiveThis course aims to investigate the nature of the interaction between the carbon cycles on land and in the ocean with climate and how this interaction has evolved over time and will change in the future. Students are expected to participate actively in the course, which includes the critical reading of the pertinent literature.
ContentTopics discussed include: The anthropogenic perturbation of the global carbon cycle and climate. Response of land and oceanic ecosystems to past and future global changes; Interactions between biogeochemical cycles on land and in the ocean; Biogeochemical processes controlling carbon dioxide and oxygen in the ocean and atmosphere on time-scales from a few years to a few hundred thousand years.
Lecture notesSarmiento & Gruber (2006), Ocean Biogeochemical Dynamics, Princeton University Press.
Additional handouts will be provided as needed. see website: Link
LiteratureSarmiento & Gruber (2006), Ocean Biogeochemical Dynamics, Princeton University Press, 526pp.

Original literature.
651-4004-00LThe Global Carbon Cycle - ReducedW3 credits2GT. I. Eglinton, L. Bröder, R. G. Hilton
AbstractThe carbon cycle connects different reservoirs of C, including life on Earth, atmospheric CO2, and economically important geological reserves of C. Much of this C is in reduced (organic) form, and is composed of complex chemical structures that reflect diverse biological activity, processes and transformations.
ObjectiveA wealth of information is held within the complex organic molecules, both in the context of the contemporary carbon cycle and its links to is other biogeochemical cycles, as well as in relation to Earth's history, the evolution of life and climate on this planet.

In this course we will learn about the role of reduced forms of carbon in the global cycle, how these forms of carbon are produced, move around the planet, and become sequestered in the geological record, and how they can be used to infer biological activity and conditions on this planet in the geologic past. The course encompasses a range of spatial and temporal scales, from molecular to global, and from the contemporary environment to earliest life.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis course is good preparation for the combined Field-Lab Course: "651-4044-02 P Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry Field Course" and "651-4044-01 P Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry Lab Practical"
651-4044-04LMicropalaeontology and Molecular PalaeontologyW3 credits2GH. Stoll, C. De Jonge, T. I. Eglinton, I. Hernández Almeida
AbstractThe course aims to provide an introduction to the key micropaleontological and molecular fossils from marine and terrestrial niches, and the use of these fossils for reconstructing environmental and evolutionary changes.
ObjectiveThe course aims to provide an introduction to the key micropaleontological and molecular fossils from marine and terrestrial niches, and the use of these fossils for reconstructing environmental and evolutionary changes.

The course will include laboratory exercises with microscopy training: identification of plantonic foraminifera and the application of transfer functions, identification of calcareous nannoliths and estimation of water column structure and productivity with n-ratio, identification of major calcareous nannofossils for Mesozoic-cenozoic biostratigraphy, Quaternary radiolarian assemblages and estimation of diversity indices.
The course will include laboratory exercises on molecular markers include study of chlorin extracts, alkenone and TEX86 distributions and temperature reconstruction, and terrestrial leaf wax characterization, using GC-FID, LC-MS, and spectrophotometry.
ContentMicropaleontology and Molecular paleontology
1. Introduction to the domains of life and molecular and mineral fossils. Genomic classifications of domains of life. Biosynthesis and molecular fossils and preservation/degradation. Biomineralization and mineral fossils and preservation/dissolution. Review of stable isotopes in biosynthesis.
2. The planktic niche – primary producers. Resources and challenges of primary production in the marine photic zone – light supply, nutrient supply, water column structure and niche partitioning. Ecological strategies and specialization, bloom succession, diversity and size gradients in the modern ocean. Introduction to principal mineralizing phytoplankton – diatoms, coccolithophores, dynoflagellates, as well as cyanobacteria. Molecular markers including alkenones, long-chain diols and sterols, IP25, pigments, diatom UV-absorbing compounds. Application of fossils and markers as environmental proxies. Long term evolutionary evidence for originations, radiations, and extinctions in microfossils and biomarkers; evolution of size trends in phytoplankton over Cenozoic, geochemical evidence for evolution of carbon concentrating mechanisms. Introduction to nannofossil biostratigraphy.
3. The planktic niche – heterotrophy from bacteria to zooplankton. Resources and challenges of planktic heterotrophy – food supply, oxygen availability, seasonal cycles, seasonal and vertical niche partitioning. Introduction to principal mineralizing zooplankton planktic foraminifera and radiolaria: ecological strategies and specialization, succession, diversity and size gradients in the modern ocean. Morphometry and adaptations for symbiont hosting. Molecular records such as isorenieratene and Crenoarcheota GDGT; the debate of TEX86 temperature production. Long term evolutionary evidence for originations, radiations, and extinctions in microfossils; evolution of size and form, basic biostratigraphy. Molecular evidence of evolution including diversification of sterol/sterine assemblages.
4. The benthic niche – continental margins. Resources and challenges of benthic heterotrophy – food supply, oxygen, turbulence and substrate. Principal mineralizing benthic organisms – benthic foraminifera and ostracods. Benthic habitat gradients (infaunal and epifaunal; shallow to deep margin. Microbial redox ladder in sediments. Molecular markers of methanogenesis and methanotrophy, Anamox markers, pristine/phytane redox indicator. Applications of benthic communities for sea level reconstructions. Major originations and extinctions.
5. The benthic niche in the abyssal ocean. Resources and challenges of deep benthic heterotrophy. Benthic foraminifera, major extinctions and turnover events. Relationship to deep oxygen level and productivity.
6. Terrestrial dry niches -soils and trees. Resources and challenges - impacts of temperature, humidity, CO2 and soil moisture on terrestrial vegetation and microbial reaction and turnover. Introduction to pollen and molecular markers for soil pH, humidity, leaf wax C3-C4 community composition and hydrology. Long term evolution of C4 pathway, markers for angiosperm and gymnosperm evolution.
7. Terrestrial aquatic environments – resources and challenges. Lake systems, seasonal mixing regimes, eutrophication, closed/open systems. Introduction to lacustrine diatoms, chironomids, testate amoeba. Molecular markers in lake/box environments including paleogenomics of communities.
Lecture notesA lab and lecture manual will be distributed at the start of the course and additional material will be available in the course Moodle
LiteratureKey references from primary literature will be provided as pdf on the course moodle.
Prerequisites / NoticeTiming: The course starts on February 19 and ends on May 28. Prerequisites: Recall and remember what you learned in introductory chemistry and biology
651-4226-00LGeochemical and Isotopic Tracers of the Earth System Restricted registration - show details W3 credits2VD. Vance
AbstractThe unit will investigate the geochemical approaches used to understand the dynamics of the surface Earth, with an emphasis on geochemical archives preserved in ocean sediments. The class will be organised into four themes, each treating a different aspect of surface Earth chemistry and how it is recorded in archives - mainly ocean sediments but also including others ice-cores and loess.
ObjectiveThe unit is designed with the particular aim of providing a firm grounding in the geochemical methods used to observe and trace the Earth System, now and in the past. Students will gain a basic understanding of the relevant geochemical techniques through at least one 1.5 hour lecture for each theme, and will encourage students to think about their application and interpretation from first principles. But the emphasis will be placed on independent learning by the student through their own research, and the presentation of that research to the class. For each theme, we will use particular time periods in Earth history as case studies. All students will investigate one of these tools in depth themselves, including the application of that tool to problems and questions in the history of the surface Earth.
ContentThe themes covered in the class will include:
Tracing the large-scale controls on ocean chemistry through time using analytical tools, mass balance and box models;
How ocean physics, chemistry and biology can explain the record of atmospheric chemistry preserved in Quaternary ice-cores;
Tracking global-scale aspects of the carbon cycle through time, concentrating on processes on the continents, such as chemical weathering, how their record is preserved in the oceans, and using the Cenozoic as a case study;
What secular variation in ocean redox tells us about large-scale biogeochemical cycles, using the Mesozoic as a case study.

Students will be encouraged to become familiar with the range of modern geochemical tools used to investigate key scientific questions within the above themes, such as radiogenic isotopes, stable isotopes, speciation of elements in the oceans and in sediments.
Lecture notesFor lectures on the basic aspects of each theme, slides will be available in advance of the lectures.
LiteratureAbout two thirds of the class will be devoted to student presentations of particular geochemical methods they have researched themselves, with the aid of published papers available online and as guided by the teaching team.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis class builds on ETH Bachelors classes in oceanography, in geochemistry and in earth system science. Those who have not taken similar classes in their Bachelors may need to familiarise themselves with basic concepts in order to take full advantage of this class. Basic reading material will be compiled that those who might need them can consult - but it is the responsibility of the student to do the catching up.
Electives
Weather Systems and Atmospheric Dynamics
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-1236-00LMeasurement Methods in Meteorology and Climate Research Information W1 credit1VM. Hirschi, D. Michel, S. I. Seneviratne
AbstractThe course provides the physical, technical, and theoretical basics for measuring physical quantities in the atmosphere. Also, considerations related to the planning of observation campaigns and to data evaluation are discussed.
ObjectiveAims of the course are:
- to become sensitive for specific problems when making measurements in the atmosphere under severe environmental conditions
- to gain knowledge of the different measurement methods and techniques
- to develop criteria for the choice of the optimal measurement method for a given problem
- to find the optimal observation strategy in terms of choice of instrument, frequency of observation, accuracy, etc.
ContentProblems 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.
Lecture notesStudents can download a copy of the lectures as PDF-files.
Literature- Emeis, Stefan: Measurement Methods in Atmospheric Sciences, In situ and remote. Bornträger 2010, ISBN 978-3-443-01066-9
- Brock, F. V. and S. J. Richardson: Meteorological Measurement Systems, Oxford University Press 2001, ISBN 0-19-513451-6
- Thomas P. DeFelice: An Introduction to Meteorological Instrumentation and Measurement. Prentice-Hall 2000, 229 p., ISBN 0-13-243270-6
- 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.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe lecture focuses on physical atmospheric parameters while lecture 701-0234-00 concentrates on the chemical quantities. The lectures are complementary, together they provide the instrumental basics for the lab course 701-0460-00. Contact hours of the lab course are such that the lectures can be attended (which is recommended).
701-1258-00LThe Global Atmospheric Circulation Information Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 30.
W2 credits1GD. Domeisen
AbstractThis course covers the general circulation of the atmosphere. The focus lies on the large-scale dynamics and circulation of the tropics and the global stratosphere, and connections to midlatitudes, including phenomena such as El Nino and sudden stratospheric warming events.
ObjectiveAt the end of the course, students should be able to
- explain the reasons for the existence and extent of the global circulation
- identify and describe phenomena of the tropical troposphere and the global stratosphere
- apply the dynamical mechanisms and theoretical concepts learned in the course to derive the atmospheric general circulation for a given planet
ContentHadley Circulation, El Nino Southern Oscillation, Quasi-Biennial Oscillation, Brewer-Dobson Circulation, sudden stratospheric warming events, Rossby wave propagation, polar vortex dynamics, Eliassen-Palm flux
Prerequisites / NoticeSuccessful participation of the following lectures are required:
402-0062-00L Physik I
402-0063-00L Physik II
701-0479-00L Umwelt-Fluiddynamik
701-1266-00LWeather Discussion Restricted registration - show details
Limited number of participants.
Preference will be given to students on the masters level in Atmospheric and Climate Science and Environmental Sciences and doctoral students in Environmental Sciences.

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge in meteorology is required for this class, students are advised to take courses 702-0473-00L and/or 701-1221-00L before attending this course.
W2.5 credits2PH. Wernli
AbstractThis three-parts course includes: (i) concise units to update the students knowledge about key aspects of mid-latitude weather systems and numerical weather prediction, (ii) a concrete application of this knowledge to predict and discuss the "weather of the week", and (iii) an in-depth case study analysis, performed in small groups, of a remarkable past weather event.
ObjectiveStudents will learn how to elaborate a weather prediction and to cope with uncertainties of weather (probabilistic) prediction models. They will also learn how to apply theoretical concepts from other lecture courses on atmospheric dynamics to perform a detailed case study of a specific weather event, using state-of-the-art observational and model-derived products and datasets.
701-1280-00LSelf-Learning Course on Advanced Topics in Atmospheric and Climate Science (FS) Restricted registration - show details
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.
W3 credits6ASupervisors
AbstractThis 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 predictability
- atmospheric dynamics
- atmospheric physics
- climate modeling
- climate physics
- land-climate dynamics
- atmospheric circulation
ObjectiveThe 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).
ContentThe 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:
Link
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
LiteratureLiterature (including book chapters, scientific publications) will be provided by the responsible supervisor in coordination with the student.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites 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 predictability: “Dynamics of large-scale atmospheric flow” (701-1221-00L)
• atmospheric circulation: “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 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)
• atmospheric circulation (Prof. S. Schemm)
Climate Processes and Feedbacks
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-1226-00LInter-Annual Phenomena and Their Prediction Information W2 credits2GC. Appenzeller
AbstractThis course provides an overview of the current ability to understand and predict intra-seasonal and inter-annual climate variability in the tropical and extra-tropical region and provides insights on how operational weather and climate services are organized.
ObjectiveStudents will acquire an understanding of the key atmosphere and ocean processes involved, will gain experience in analyzing and predicting sub-seasonal to inter-annual variability and learn how operational weather and climate services are organised and how scientific developments can improve these services.
ContentThe course covers the following topics:

Part 1:
- Introduction, some basic concepts and examples of sub-seasonal and inter-annual variability
- Weather and climate data and the statistical concepts used for analysing inter-annual variability (e.g. correlation analysis, teleconnection maps, EOF analysis)

Part 2:
- Inter-annual variability in the tropical region (e.g. ENSO, MJO)
- Inter-annual variability in the extra-tropical region (e.g. Blocking, NAO, PNA, regimes)

Part 3:
- Prediction of inter-annual variability (statistical methods, ensemble prediction systems, monthly and seasonal forecasts, seamless forecasts)
- Verification and interpretation of probabilistic forecast systems
- Climate change and inter-annual variability

Part 4:
- Scientific challenges for operational weather and climate services
- A visit to the forecasting centre of MeteoSwiss
Lecture notesA pdf version of the slides will be available at
Link
LiteratureReferences are given during the lecture.
701-1280-00LSelf-Learning Course on Advanced Topics in Atmospheric and Climate Science (FS) Restricted registration - show details
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.
W3 credits6ASupervisors
AbstractThis 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 predictability
- atmospheric dynamics
- atmospheric physics
- climate modeling
- climate physics
- land-climate dynamics
- atmospheric circulation
ObjectiveThe 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).
ContentThe 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:
Link
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
LiteratureLiterature (including book chapters, scientific publications) will be provided by the responsible supervisor in coordination with the student.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites 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 predictability: “Dynamics of large-scale atmospheric flow” (701-1221-00L)
• atmospheric circulation: “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 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)
• atmospheric circulation (Prof. S. Schemm)
701-1317-00LGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles and ClimateW3 credits3GN. Gruber, M. Vogt
AbstractThe human-induced emissions of carbon dioxide has led to atmospheric CO2 concentrations that Earth likely has no’t seen for the last 30 million years. This course aims to investigate and understand the impact of humans on Earth's biogeochemical cycles with a focus on the carbon cycle and its interaction with the physical climate system for the past, the present, and the future.
ObjectiveThis course aims to investigate the nature of the interaction between the carbon cycles on land and in the ocean with climate and how this interaction has evolved over time and will change in the future. Students are expected to participate actively in the course, which includes the critical reading of the pertinent literature.
ContentTopics discussed include: The anthropogenic perturbation of the global carbon cycle and climate. Response of land and oceanic ecosystems to past and future global changes; Interactions between biogeochemical cycles on land and in the ocean; Biogeochemical processes controlling carbon dioxide and oxygen in the ocean and atmosphere on time-scales from a few years to a few hundred thousand years.
Lecture notesSarmiento & Gruber (2006), Ocean Biogeochemical Dynamics, Princeton University Press.
Additional handouts will be provided as needed. see website: Link
LiteratureSarmiento & Gruber (2006), Ocean Biogeochemical Dynamics, Princeton University Press, 526pp.

Original literature.
Atmospheric Composition and Cycles
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-0234-00LAtmospheric Chemistry: Instruments and Measuring Techniques Information W1 credit1VU. Krieger
AbstractMeasuring Techniques: Environmental Monitoring, Trace Gas Detection, Remote Sensing, Aerosol Characterization, Techniques used in the laboratory.
ObjectiveFind out about the specific problems connected to composition measurements in the atmosphere. Working out criteria for selecting an optimal measuring strategy. Acquiring knowledge about different measuring methods their spectroscopic principles and of some specific instruments.
ContentEs werden Methoden und Geräte vorgestellt und theoretisch analysiert, die in atmosphärenchemischen Messungen Verwendung finden: Geräte zur Überwachung im Rahmen der Luftreinhalteverordnung, Spurengasanlysemethoden, "remote sensing", Aerosolmessgeräte, Messverfahren bei Labormessungen zu atmosphärischen Fragestellungen.
LiteratureB. J. Finnlayson-Pitts, J. N. Pitts, "Chemistry of the Upper and Lower Atmosphere", Academic Press, San Diego, 2000
Prerequisites / NoticeMethodenvorlesung zu den Praktika 701-0460-00 und 701-1230-00. Die Kontaktzeiten in diesen Praktika sind so abgestimmt, dass der (empfohlene) Besuch der Vorlesung möglich ist.

Voraussetzungen: Atmosphärenphysik I und II
701-1244-00LAerosols II: Applications in Environment and TechnologyW4 credits2V + 1UM. Gysel Beer, D. Bell, J. Slowik
AbstractThe life-cycle of atmospheric aerosols, the evolution of their physical and chemical properties, and their impacts on climate, atmospheric chemistry and health are studied in detail using examples from current research.
ObjectiveThe students achieve a profound knowledge of atmospheric aerosols and their climate and health impacts including the underlying physical and chemical processes. The students know and understand advanced experimental methods and are able to design experiments to study aforementioned impacts and processes.
ContentAtmospheric aerosols:
important sources and sinks, wet and dry deposition, chemical composition and transformation processes, importance for men and environment, interaction with the gas phase, influence on health and climate.
Lecture notesInformation is distributed during the lectures
LiteratureSeinfeld, J.H. and Pandis, S.N., Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: From Air Pollution to Climate Change. 3rd ed., John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, 2016.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis course build up on the lecture "Aerosols I: Physical and Chemical Principles"
651-4004-00LThe Global Carbon Cycle - ReducedW3 credits2GT. I. Eglinton, L. Bröder, R. G. Hilton
AbstractThe carbon cycle connects different reservoirs of C, including life on Earth, atmospheric CO2, and economically important geological reserves of C. Much of this C is in reduced (organic) form, and is composed of complex chemical structures that reflect diverse biological activity, processes and transformations.
ObjectiveA wealth of information is held within the complex organic molecules, both in the context of the contemporary carbon cycle and its links to is other biogeochemical cycles, as well as in relation to Earth's history, the evolution of life and climate on this planet.

In this course we will learn about the role of reduced forms of carbon in the global cycle, how these forms of carbon are produced, move around the planet, and become sequestered in the geological record, and how they can be used to infer biological activity and conditions on this planet in the geologic past. The course encompasses a range of spatial and temporal scales, from molecular to global, and from the contemporary environment to earliest life.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis course is good preparation for the combined Field-Lab Course: "651-4044-02 P Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry Field Course" and "651-4044-01 P Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry Lab Practical"
701-1280-00LSelf-Learning Course on Advanced Topics in Atmospheric and Climate Science (FS) Restricted registration - show details
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.
W3 credits6ASupervisors
AbstractThis 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 predictability
- atmospheric dynamics
- atmospheric physics
- climate modeling
- climate physics
- land-climate dynamics
- atmospheric circulation
ObjectiveThe 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).
ContentThe 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:
Link
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
LiteratureLiterature (including book chapters, scientific publications) will be provided by the responsible supervisor in coordination with the student.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites 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 predictability: “Dynamics of large-scale atmospheric flow” (701-1221-00L)
• atmospheric circulation: “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 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)
• atmospheric circulation (Prof. S. Schemm)
Climate History and Paleoclimatology
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-1280-00LSelf-Learning Course on Advanced Topics in Atmospheric and Climate Science (FS) Restricted registration - show details
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.
W3 credits6ASupervisors
AbstractThis 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 predictability
- atmospheric dynamics
- atmospheric physics
- climate modeling
- climate physics
- land-climate dynamics
- atmospheric circulation
ObjectiveThe 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).
ContentThe 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:
Link
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
LiteratureLiterature (including book chapters, scientific publications) will be provided by the responsible supervisor in coordination with the student.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites 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 predictability: “Dynamics of large-scale atmospheric flow” (701-1221-00L)
• atmospheric circulation: “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 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)
• atmospheric circulation (Prof. S. Schemm)
Hydrology and Water Cycle
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-1216-00LNumerical Modelling of Weather and Climate Information W4 credits3GC. Schär, J. Vergara Temprado, M. Wild
AbstractThe course provides an introduction to weather and climate models. It discusses how these models are built addressing both the dynamical core and the physical parameterizations, and it provides an overview of how these models are used in numerical weather prediction and climate research. As a tutorial, students conduct a term project and build a simple atmospheric model using the language PYTHON.
ObjectiveAt the end of this course, students understand how weather and climate models are formulated from the governing physical principles, and how they are used for climate and weather prediction purposes.
ContentThe course provides an introduction into the following themes: numerical methods (finite differences and spectral methods); adiabatic formulation of atmospheric models (vertical coordinates, hydrostatic approximation); parameterization of physical processes (e.g. clouds, convection, boundary layer, radiation); atmospheric data assimilation and weather prediction; predictability (chaos-theory, ensemble methods); climate models (coupled atmospheric, oceanic and biogeochemical models); climate prediction. Hands-on experience with simple models will be acquired in the tutorials.
Lecture notesSlides and lecture notes will be made available at
Link
LiteratureList of literature will be provided.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites: to follow this course, you need some basic background in atmospheric science, numerical methods (e.g., "Numerische Methoden in der Umweltphysik", 701-0461-00L) as well as experience in programming. Previous experience with PYTHON is useful but not required.
701-1224-00LMesoscale Atmospheric Systems - Observation and ModellingW2 credits2VH. Wernli, U. Germann, S. Schemm
AbstractMesoscale meteorology focusing on processes relevant for the evolution of precipitation systems. Discussion of empirical and mathematical-physical models for, e.g., fronts and convective storms. Consideration of oceanic evaporation, transport and the associated physics of stable water isotopes. Introduction to weather radar being the widespread instrument for observing mesoscale precipitation.
ObjectiveBasic concepts of observational and theoretical mesoscale meteorology, including precipitation measurements and radar. Knowledge about the interpretation of radar images. Understanding of processes leading to the formation of fronts and convective storms, and basic knowledge on ocean evaporation and the physics of stable water isotopes.
701-1280-00LSelf-Learning Course on Advanced Topics in Atmospheric and Climate Science (FS) Restricted registration - show details
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.
W3 credits6ASupervisors
AbstractThis 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 predictability
- atmospheric dynamics
- atmospheric physics
- climate modeling
- climate physics
- land-climate dynamics
- atmospheric circulation
ObjectiveThe 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).
ContentThe 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:
Link
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
LiteratureLiterature (including book chapters, scientific publications) will be provided by the responsible supervisor in coordination with the student.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites 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 predictability: “Dynamics of large-scale atmospheric flow” (701-1221-00L)
• atmospheric circulation: “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 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)
• atmospheric circulation (Prof. S. Schemm)
102-0448-00LGroundwater IIW6 credits4GM. Willmann, J. Jimenez-Martinez
AbstractThe course is based on the course 'Groundwater I' and is a prerequisite for a deeper understanding of groundwater flow and contaminant transport problems with a strong emphasis on numerical modeling.
ObjectiveThe course should enable students to understand advanced concepts of groundwater flow and transport and to apply groundwater flow and transport modelling.

the student should be able to
a) formulate practical flow and contaminant transport problems.

b) solve steady-state and transient flow and transport problems in 2 and 3 spatial dimensions using numerical codes based on the finite difference method and the finite element methods.

c) solve simple inverse flow problems for parameter estimation given measurements.

d) assess simple multiphase flow problems.

e) assess spatial variability of parameters and use of stochastic techniques in this task.

f) assess simple coupled reactive transport problems.
ContentIntroduction and basic flow and contaminant transport equation.

Numerical solution of the 3D flow equation using the finite difference method.

Numerical solution to the flow equation using the finite element equation

Numerical solution to the transport equation using the finite difference method.

Alternative methods for transport modeling like method of characteristics and the random walk method.

Two-phase flow and Unsaturated flow problems.

Spatial variability of parameters and its geostatistical representation -geostatistics and stochastic modelling.

Reactive transport modelling.
Lecture notesHandouts
Literature- Anderson, M. and W. Woessner, Applied Groundwater Modeling, Elsevier Science & Technology Books, 448 p., 2002

- J. Bear and A. Cheng, Modeling Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Transport, Springer, 2010

- Appelo, C.A.J. and D. Postma, Geochemistry, Groundwater and Pollution, Second Edition, Taylor & Francis, 2005

- Rubin, Y., Applied Stochastic Hydrology, Oxford University Press, 2003

- Chiang und Kinzelbach, 3-D Groundwater Modeling with PMWIN. Springer, 2001.
Prerequisites / NoticeEach afternoon will be divided into 2 h of lectures and 2h of exercises. Two thirds of the exercises of the course are organized as a computer workshop to get hands-on experience with groundwater modelling.
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