MTMG49-Boundary Layer Meteorology and Micrometeorology

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: MTMG02 Atmospheric Physics
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof Janet Barlow
Email: j.f.barlow@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides a description of surface and boundary layer processes, and covers how the boundary layer is measured and modelled. It also provides an overview of how boundary layer properties and other factors affect pollutant dispersion.

Aims:
To provide a description of surface and boundary layer processes, and to experience how the boundary layer is measured and modelled. To provide an overview of how boundary layer properties and other factors affect pollutant dispersion.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Assessable outcomes:

• Understand and describe fundamental turbulent processes in the atmospheric boundary layer over a diurnal cycle.

• Demonstrate a knowledge of key pollutants and their behaviour in the boundary layer, and have an overview of air quality modelling.

• Report critically on the results of measurements and the use of computer models in an appropriate, formal style.

Additional outcomes:

Students will enhance their skills in the use of computer models, team-working and processing data from measurements.

Outline content:

The lecture content covers:

• Structure of the atmospheric boundary layer and micrometeorology of the surface layer;

• Fundamentals of turbulence: Reynolds stresses, the logarithmic wind profile, Monin-Obukhov similarity theory and K theory;

• The diurnal variation of the boundary layer: neutral, convective, nocturnal and cloudy boundary layers;

• Urban meteorology: urban heat island, adjustment to urban roughness;

• Pollution in the boundary layer: air quality standards, gaseous pollutants, air quality modelling;

• The practical content covers one computer practical and one practical involving processing of field data measured in the Department’s Atmospheric Observatory;

• Evolution of the atmospheric boundary layer (computer practical);

• Measuring the wind profile in the surface layer (Atmospheric Observatory).

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures, tutorials, practical classes.

Reading lists for meteorology modules are available here https://reading.rl.talis.com/departments/mps_met.html

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		16
Tutorials		8
Practicals classes and workshops		6
Guided independent study:		70
Total hours by term		100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Report	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

2 hour exam with a choice of two out of three questions in April.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Two reports (worth 25 each).

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:
For candidates who have failed, an opportunity to take a resit examination will be provided within the lifetime of the course.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 2) Specialist equipment or materials: 3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 4) Printing and binding: 5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 22 September 2022