Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers |
---|
651-2124-00L | Atmospheric General Circulation Dynamics | 4 credits | 2V + 1U | T. Schneider |
Abstract | Understanding the fluid dynamics of the general circulation of the atmosphere is fundamental for understanding how climate is maintained and how it may vary. This course provides an intensive introduction to the principles governing the atmospheric general circulation, reaching from classical models to currently unsolved problems. |
Objective | Understanding of the global-scale fluid dynamics of planetary atmospheres. |
Content | Introduction to the global-scale fluid dynamics of the atmosphere, beginning with an analysis of classical models of instabilities in atmospheric flows and leading to currently unsolved problems. Topics include Rossby waves and barotropic instability; the quasigeostrophic two-layer model and baroclinic instability; conservation laws for wave quantities and wave-mean flow interaction theory; turbulent fluxes of heat and momentum; geostrophic turbulence; genesis of zonal jets. The course focuses on Earth's atmosphere but treats the circulation of Earth's atmosphere as part of a continuum of possible planetary circulations. |
Literature | Available at http://climate-dynamics.org/courses/651-2124-00-atmospheric-general-circulation-dynamics/ |
651-2126-00L | Cloud and Boundary Layer Dynamics Prior enrollment in "Boundary Layer Meteorology" (651-4053-05L) is recommended. | 4 credits | 3G | T. Schneider |
Abstract | Clouds cover the majority of Earth's surface and are essential for regulating the radiative energy budget. This course gives an overview of the dynamics controlling boundary layers and clouds and how they may change with climate. |
Objective | Understanding of the essential physical processes governing boundary layer and cloud dynamics. |
Content | Introduction to the dynamics of clouds and convection, from a phenomenological overview of cloud and boundary layer morphologies to closure theories for turbulence and convection. Topics include similarity theories for boundary layers; mixed-layer models; moist thermodynamics and stability; stratocumulus and trade-cumulus boundary layers; shallow cumulus convection and deep convection. |
651-4095-01L | Colloquium Atmosphere and Climate 1 | 1 credit | 1K | E. Fischer,
C. Schär,
N. Gruber,
R. Knutti,
U. Lohmann,
T. Peter,
T. Schneider,
S. I. Seneviratne,
K. Steffen,
H. Wernli,
M. Wild |
Abstract | The colloquium is a series of scientific talks by prominent invited speakers assembling interested students and researchers from around Zürich. Students take part of the scientific discussions. |
Objective | The colloquium is a series of scientific talks by prominent invited speakers assembling interested students and researchers from around Zürich. Students take part of the scientific discussions. |
Prerequisites / Notice | To acquire credit points for this colloquium, please visit the course's web page and sign up for one of the groups. |
651-4095-02L | Colloquium Atmosphere and Climate 2 | 1 credit | 1K | E. Fischer,
C. Schär,
N. Gruber,
R. Knutti,
U. Lohmann,
T. Peter,
T. Schneider,
S. I. Seneviratne,
K. Steffen,
H. Wernli,
M. Wild |
Abstract | The colloquium is a series of scientific talks by prominent invited speakers assembling interested students and researchers from around Zürich. Students take part of the scientific discussions. |
Objective | The colloquium is a series of scientific talks by prominent invited speakers assembling interested students and researchers from around Zürich. Students take part of the scientific discussions. |
Prerequisites / Notice | To acquire credit points for this colloquium, please visit the course's web page and sign up for one of the groups. |
651-4095-03L | Colloquium Atmosphere and Climate 3 | 1 credit | 1K | E. Fischer,
C. Schär,
N. Gruber,
R. Knutti,
U. Lohmann,
T. Peter,
T. Schneider,
S. I. Seneviratne,
K. Steffen,
H. Wernli,
M. Wild |
Abstract | The colloquium is a series of scientific talks by prominent invited speakers assembling interested students and researchers from around Zürich. Students take part of the scientific discussions. |
Objective | The colloquium is a series of scientific talks by prominent invited speakers assembling interested students and researchers from around Zürich. Students take part of the scientific discussions. |
Prerequisites / Notice | To acquire credit points for this colloquium, please visit the course's web page and sign up for one of the groups. |