Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2016
Environmental Sciences Master | ||||||
Major in Atmosphere and Climate | ||||||
Prerequisites | ||||||
Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
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701-0471-01L | Atmospheric Chemistry | W | 3 credits | 2G | M. Ammann, D. W. Brunner | |
Abstract | The lecture provides an introduction to atmospheric chemistry at bachelor level. It introduces the kinetics of gas phase and heterogeneous reactions on 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. | |||||
Objective | The students will understand the basics of gas phase and heterogeneous reactions and will know the most relevant atmospheric chemical processes taking place in the gas phase as well as between different phases including aerosols and clouds. 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: 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 - Multiphase chemistry: heterogeneous kinetics, solubility and hygroscopicity, 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. | |||||
701-0473-00L | Weather Systems | W | 3 credits | 2G | M. A. Sprenger, C. Grams | |
Abstract | This lecture introduces the theoretical principles and the observational and analytical methods of atmospheric dynamics. Based on these principles, the following aspects are discussed: the energetics of the global circulation, the basic synoptic- and meso-scale flow phenomena, in particular the dynamics of exrtatropical cyclones, and the influence of mountains on the atmospheric flow. | |||||
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. A. Mensah | |
Abstract | This course covers the basics of atmospheric physics, which consist of: cloud and precipitation formation, thermodynamics, aerosol physics, radiation as well as the impact of aerosols and clouds on climate and artificial weather modification. | |||||
Objective | Students are able - to explain the mechanisms of cloud and precipitation formation using knowledge of humidity processes and thermodynamics. - to evaluate the significance of clouds and aerosol particles for climate and artificial weather modification. | |||||
Content | Moist processes/thermodynamics; aerosol physics; cloud formation; precipitation processes, storms; importance of aerosols and clouds for climate and weather modification, clouds and precipitation | |||||
Lecture notes | Powerpoint slides and script 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 with some instruments how some of the processes, that are discussed in the lectures, are measured. 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, O. Fuhrer | |
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. | |||||
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 Matlab (previous experience not necessary: a Matlab introduction is given). Example programs and graphics tools are supplied. | |||||
Lecture notes | Is provided (CHF 10.- per copy). | |||||
Literature | List of literature is provided. |
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