MT49L-Boundary Layer Meteorology

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: MT26E Surface Energy Exchange or MT26ENU Surface Energy Exchange
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: MT37L Boundary Layer Meteorology or MT37LNU Boundary Layer Meteorology
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Miguel Teixeira
Email: m.a.teixeira@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.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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.

This module will be assessed to a greater depth than the excluded module MT37L or MT37LNU.

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 14 50-minute lectures. 10 tutorial sessions will be used to practise answering questions on that material.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		14
Tutorials		16
Guided independent study:
Other		70
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.

The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.

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: 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:

A mark of 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Resit examination only.

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: 30 March 2023