GES2190

Climates of the earth boundary layer

Associate Professor Nigel Tapper

4 points
* 2.5 hours per week on average (2 lectures and 1 lecture plus 2-hour practical in alternate weeks)
* Optional weekend field excursion
* First semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisites: A first-year sequence in geography, or permission of the head of department

Objectives In successfully participating in this subject students will show that they understand the nature of cycling of energy and mass in the earth-atmosphere system and the place of the atmospheric boundary layer in that larger system; have an understanding of the development of distinctive boundary layer climates based on knowledge of atmospheric processes and their interaction with the physical properties of different surfaces; have an appreciation of time and space scales as they relate to atmospheric phenomena, along with the complexity of environmental processes, especially when intentionally or unintentionally modified by humans; have a grounding in some of the contemporary climate debates, obtained both through course work and reading and understanding the relevant scientific literature; have developed an understanding of the use of instrumentation and methodologies employed in boundary layer climate research, along with an appreciation of the complexity of, and difficulties associated with, field-based research.

Synopsis This subject is designed to explain climates found near to the ground in terms of the cycling of energy and mass through systems. After a discussion of atmospheric processes and how they interact with physical properties of surfaces to produce distinctive climates, climates of various natural and human-modified environments are examined in detail. Natural environments considered are of increasing complexity, from simple non-vegetated surfaces, through vegetated surfaces to non-uniform terrain. Human-modified environments are considered in terms of intentional as well as unintended modification, with urban modification of the atmospheric environment receiving particular attention. Throughout the subject, relevant examples are drawn from the Australasian region and classwork is supplemented with relevant practical and field work.

Assessment Written (1500 words): 40%
* Examination (1.5 hours): 40%
* Practical work: 20%

Prescribed texts

Sturman A P and Tapper N J The weather and climate of Australia and New Zealand OUP, 1996

Recommended texts

Oke T R Boundary layer climates Methuen, 1987