MT49P-Micrometeorology
Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: MT26E Surface Energy Exchange
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: MT37P Micrometeorology
Current from: 2022/3
Module Convenor: Dr Omduth Coceal
Email: o.coceal@reading.ac.uk
Type of module:
Summary module description:
This module involves a study of turbulence in the atmospheric surface layer. The effects of vegetation and urban areas on surface fluxes and turbulent exchange in the surface layer will be examined both from a theoretical viewpoint and in terms of practical analysis of field measurements and numerical simulations.
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.
This module will be assessed to a greater depth than the excluded module MT37P.
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.
| 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 |
| Method | Percentage |
| Report | 100 |
Summative assessment- Examinations:
Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
A concise report based on applying micrometeorological theory to analyse and interpret data. This assignment will be marked at a higher level than the equivalent Part 3 version. 100%.
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.
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:
Resubmission of mini research project report
Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
Last updated: 4 May 2023
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.