EAE5024 - Boundary layer meteorology - 2019

Boundary layer meteorology pertains to 'the part of the troposphere that is directly influenced by the presence of the earth's surface, and responds to surface forcings with a timescale of about an hour or less.' This unit details: aspects of turbulence unique to the boundary layer, the surface layer including Monin-Obukhov similarity theory, surface fluxes and boundary layer entrainment processes, a hierarchy of numerical models of the boundary layer. Finally, this unit discusses air pollution meteorology within the boundary layer.

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Apply a conceptual definition of the atmospheric boundary layer and various quantitative definitions.
2. Appraise the dynamical and physical processes that affect that atmospheric boundary layer.
3. Appraise the diurnal cycle of the terrestrial boundary layer and the evolution of the maritime boundary layer during warm and cold air advection.
4. Appraise a hierarchy of models of the atmospheric boundary layer and construct a 'mixed layer model'.
5. Critically analyse scientific literature on the atmospheric boundary layer.

Examination (2 hours): 50%

Assignments: 30%

Oral presentation: 10%

Report: 10%

This unit is offered at both Level 4 and Level 5, differentiated by the level of the assessment. Students enrolled in EAE5024 will be expected to demonstrate a higher level of learning in this subject than those enrolled in EAE4024. The assignments and exam in this unit will use some common items from the EAE4024 assessment tasks, in combination with several higher level questions and tasks.

A total of 12 hours per week comprising:

• Three 1-hour lectures
• Three hours on assignments, reports and preparation of a talk
• 6 hours of independent study

See also Unit timetable information

Master of Science in Atmospheric Science