Dynamics of Large-scale Atmospheric Flow

Objective

Understanding of the dynamical processes in the atmosphere and their mathematical-physical formulation.

Content

Atmospheric Dynamics 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.

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Here you can find protected page "Vector Notation and Vector Formulae"

All lectures from 2020 are accessible via the ETH video portal

Please hand in your solved problem sheets on Monday (until 10:30) via email to and .

Holton J. R and G. J. Hakim., An introduction to Dynamic Meteorogy. Academic Press, fifth edition 2012
Lackmann G., Midlatitude Synoptic Meteorology - Dynamics, Analysis and Forecasting: Dynamics, Analysis, and Forecasting, first edition 2012
Vallis G., Atmospheric and Oceanic Fluid Dynamics: Fundamentals and Large-scale Circulation, first edition 2006
Martin J., Mid-Latitude Atmospheric Dynamics: A First Course, first edition 2006
Pichler H., Dynamik der Atmosphäre, Bibliographisches Institut, 456 pp. 1997
Persson, A., protected page How do we understand the Coriolis force?, BAMS
Philipps, N. A., protected page An Explication of the Coriolis Effect, BAMS