Weather systems and atmospheric dynamics

The module "Weather Systems and Atmospheric Dynamics" encompasses the description and understanding of the fundamental processes that govern atmospheric motion on a wide range of scales (meso, synoptic, planetary). They form the basis of every-day weather and longer-term (seasonal) climate evolution and underlie diagnosis and prediction. Weather responds to the overall climate setting, and climate is in effect accumulated weather. Calculations and predictions of climate and weather are based on our (theoretical and experimental) understanding of the processes. Atmospheric flow exerts a pronounced influence upon the distribution of the atmosphere's constituents (including climate sensitive trace gases and pollution levels in the boundary layer). Weather and its predictability is a fundamental ingredient in environmental risk assessment.

Objectives

To enable students to

• exploit and interpret large data sets in the form of the available global, regional, and micro-scale data sets
• be aware of the strengths and limitations of the current range of quasi-operational observational measurement techniques
• operate state-of-the-art research and NWP models
• acquire an advanced understanding of weather charts and current forecasting products
• contribute to the resolution of some current pressing issues related to the state of the environment and aspects related to risk management

Module course list

Autumn Semester

Spring Semester

* Boundary Layer Meteorology and Air Pollution Modeling: Part II will no longer take place in FS2013 (merged with 651-4053-05L in HS2012)

Recommendations for the optional courses block