MN-GM-METCLOUD

Specialisation Module: Clouds and Precipitation
Identification number MN-GM- METCLOUD		Workload 180 h	Credit Points 6	Term 1st - 3rd Semester	Offered Every year	Start WiSe	Duration 1 semester
1	Course types a) Lecture b) Exercise			Contact time 30 h 30 h		Private study 60 h 60 h
2	Module objectives and skills to be acquired Understanding the role of clouds for meteorology and in the climate system Knowledge of cloud microphysical processes Understanding the mechanisms for precipitation formation and efficiency Ability to interprete remote sensing observations of clouds and precipitation Understanding the links of cloud physics with dynamic meteorology, atmospheric radiative transfer and climatology. Computer practice for problem solving, critical assessment and discussion of scientific work presentation technique, time managagement
3	Module content Basic overview of clouds in the atmosphere Thermodynamic concepts Homogeneous & heteorogeneous nucleation; Köhler theory Development of cloud droplet spectra (diffusional growth, collision-coalescence, entrainment, turbulence, breakup) Ice nucleation, ice crystal habits and ice microphysical processes Precipitation formation, thunderstorm development and life cycle, severe storms Modification of clouds In-situ measurements and remote sensing of cloud parameters including radar polarimetry Representation of clouds in numerical weather prediction and climate models, e. g. DWD models COSMO and ICON
4	Teaching methods Lectures and exercises
5	Prerequisites (for the module) Formal: None. The content of the course requires the undergraduate knowledge of mathematics, physics and meteorology.
6	Type of examination At the beginning of the lecture-free period, there is a 120 to 180-minute written examination, the content of which is the material from the lecture and exercises. Successful completion of the exercises is required for admission to the examination; for this, the acquisition of 50% of the points to be achieved is sufficient. A repeat examination is offered before or at the beginning of the following semester. The examination grade is the module grade. In the case of two passed examinations (see § 20 paragraph 10 examination regulations), the better grade is the module grade.
7	Credits awarded The module is passed, and the credit points will be awarded, if the written examination is passed.
8	Compatibility with other curricula Suitable as an elective course for physics students.
9	Proportion of final grade Weight of the module grade in the overall grade: 6/150 (4 %)
10	Module coordinator Susanne Crewell
11	Further information Version: 2023-03-23