MT37LNU-Boundary Layer Meteorology

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: MT26ENU Surface Energy Exchange
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

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.

The module lead at NUIST is Prof. Chang Cao, (002844@nuist.edu.cn) 

Aims:

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

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.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Identify the boundary layer in radiosonde ascents, and give a qualitative description of the processes that lead to the observed structure.


• Understand the turbulent nature of the flow in the boundary layer and how its properties are described.

Understand some simple models of the boundary layer. 

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

• The content covers the conceptual and mathematical modelling of:


• Surface layer fluxes and their measurement;


• 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:

Theoretical material will be presented in 15 50-minute lectures. 10 tutorial sessions will be used to practise answering questions on that material.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		15
Tutorials		10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		35
Exam revision/preparation		15
Preparation for tutorials		10
Preparation of practical report		15
Total hours by term	0	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Set exercise	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

2 hours.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1 advanced assignment 50%

Formative assessment methods:

Unassessed problem sheets discussed in the tutorial sessions.

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:

40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Resit examination only. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 24 January 2022