Welcome to the Institute of Physics and Meteorology

The overarching research goal of the IPM is the investigation of the Earth system through the integration of models and observations. In particular, we deal with the characterization of feedback processes in the land-atmosphere (L-A) system and with turbulent transport processes in the stable and convective atmospheric boundary layer. This includes novel methods for data assimilation on the convective scale (e.g., hybrid ETKF-3DVAR) and determining the predictability of extreme events (heat waves, precipitation). In addition, we investigate hydrological processes and dynamic vegetation in L-A system models up to the seasonal scale. Process understanding is advanced through the development and application of globally unique scanning laser remote sensing systems and implemented in the new generation of regional and global, high-resolution L-A models (10 m - 3 km grid resolution) for "seamless" prediction of the Earth system from nowcasting, short-term forecasts, seasonal simulations, and climate projections.

The institute is divided into the department "Physics and Meteorology" with the working groups (AGs) "Remote Sensing" and "Modeling of the Earth System" and the department "Feedback Processes in the Earth System". Attached to the institute is a climate and weather station as well as the university's isotope laboratory.

Our Institute leads the Land Atmosphere Feedback Observatory (LAFO)

Structure of the Institute of Physics and Meteorology

WG Remote Sensing

Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technique for atmospheric studies. Short laser pulses are sent into the atmosphere. Their backscatter echo is detected and analyzed. Our goals are improved water vapor measurements, measurements of the distribution and transport of aerosol particles and their optical properties as well as the high-resolution measurement of the atmospheric temperature field. more...

WG Modeling of the Earth System

This working group combines high-resolution observations and models of the earth system. The aim is a better process understanding of the land surface-atmosphere system, an optimization of quantitative precipitation forecasting (QPF) and the realization of regional climate projections.  more...

 

 

Dept. Feedback Processes in the Earth System

The goal of the junior research group is to improve the understanding of land-atmosphere processes and to optimize their representation in weather and climate models. For this purpose, different numerical modeling systems are applied and combined with innovative machine learning methods. more...


Climate and Weather Station since 1878

The climate and weather station in Hohenheim collects meteorological data since 1878. Anual and monthly climate databases are available since 1878 and daily databases since 1893. more ...