MT37P-Micrometeorology

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: MT26E Surface Energy Exchange or MT26ENU Surface Energy Exchange
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Omduth Coceal
Email: o.coceal@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to provide the student with an understanding of turbulence in the atmospheric surface layer and to develop practical skills in analysing data and using simple models.

Aims:

This module aims to provide the student with an understanding of turbulence in the atmospheric surface layer and to develop practical skills in analysing data and using simple models. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Analyse and interpret data from field measurements and numerical simulations of flow, energy balance and scalar exchange processes.


• Develop an appreciation for the relative strengths and limitations of data from observations and numerical simulations.


• Relate the results of the data analyses to micrometeorological theory and simple models.

Additional outcomes:

Practice with analysing data, writing code, using simple models, and writing concise reports.

Outline content:

The content covers theory, modelling and data analysis on:

• Statistical analysis of turbulent wind fluctuations


• Momentum, sensible, latent and scalar transfer by the eddy-covariance method


• Estimating surface energy exchanges by the Penman Monteith method


• Turbulent processes in the roughness sublayer and canopy layer


• Urban meteorology and dispersion processes

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Theoretical material will be presented in 10 50-minute lectures. Practical data analysis and coding classes will take place in weekly sessions totalling 20 hours. Discussions and Q&A will be an integral part of the practical sessions.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Practicals classes and workshops	20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	25
Wider reading (directed)	10
Preparation of practical report	20
Completion of formative assessment tasks	15
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	50
Set exercise	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• 1 set of exercises based on applying theory to perform and interpret observational/numerical data analysis – 50%


• 1 concise report describing a mini research project investigating simulation and/or measurement data – 50% 

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback on ongoing analysis during practical 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:

Resubmission of mini research project report.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 28 April 2021