MT49E-Boundary Layer Meteorology

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites: MT26E Surface Energy Exchange
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: MT37J Boundary Layer Meteorology
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Prof Bob Plant

Email: r.s.plant@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module aims to provide the student with an understanding of how small-scale processes affect the thermodynamic and kinematic structures of the atmospheric boundary layer.

Aims:
This module aims to provide the student with an understanding of how small-scale processes affect the thermodynamic and kinematic structures of the atmospheric boundary layer. Practical work aims to illustrate methods of measurement and interpretation of transfer processes within the surface and boundary layer.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, the student should be able to:

• Analyse and interpret data retrieved from field observations of turbulent, radiant and conductive exchange processes;


• Describe in physical and mathematical terms some important atmospheric flow phenomena on horizontal scales less than about 10 km, and the way in which these are influenced by the Earth's surface and its overlying atmosphere;


• Use of programs to analyse o bservational data.


• This module will be assessed to a greater depth than the excluded module MT37J.

Additional outcomes:

The practical work will enhance team-working skills.

Outline content:

The Practical Content includes:

• Statistical analysis of turbulent wind fluctuations;


• Latent sensible heat transfer by the eddy-covariance method;


• Momentum measurements by the profile and eddy covariance method;


• Estimating surface energy exchanges by the Penman Monteith method.

The Lecture Content covers the conceptual and mathematical modelling of:

• Surface layer fluxes and their measurements;


• Evolution of the boundary layer;


• Turbulence of the boundary layer;


• Air - sea interaction;


• The boundary layer in NWP and climate models;


• Flow over changing surfaces;


• The boundary layer on other planets.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

During term 7 practical work takes place. Data analysis and project work are supported by lectures. During term 8 theoretical work will be presented in 16 50-minute lectures. Four tutorial sessions will be used also.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	8	16
Tutorials		4
Practicals classes and workshops	22
Guided independent study:	70	80
Total hours by term	100	100	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Report	40
Set exercise	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:
2 hours.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1 question driven observational report - 20%, 1  research driven observational report - 20%,  1 advanced assignment 10%

Formative assessment methods:

Four unassessed problem sheets discussed in the tutorial sessions. Feedback on observational analysis on regular basis.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Resit examination only

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: N/A


2. Specialist equipment or materials: N/A


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: N/A 


4. Printing and binding: N/A


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: N/A


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: N/A

Last updated: 10 February 2021