MN-GM-METABL

Specialisation Module: Atmospheric Boundary Layer
Identification number MN-GM-METABL		Workload 180 h	Credits 6	Term 1st - 3rd Semester	Offered Every year	Start SuSe	Duration 1 semester
1	Course types a) Lecture b) Exercise			Contact time 45 h 30 h		Private study 45 h 60 h
2	Module objectives and skills to be acquired To create understanding of: the atmospheric boundary layer and its role in weather and climate; turbulent and convective flow; the turbulent kinetic energy budget and its use in determining atmospheric stability; the interaction between the atmospheric boundary layer and the Earth’s surface; the closure problem and associated parameterization techniques; boundary layer clouds Acquired skills: Describing turbulent flow using perturbed prognostic equations Reynolds averaging Stability analysis using the dimensionless Richardson number and Obukhov length Parameterization of turbulent fluxes using K-theory Applying similarity theory to interpret measurements Experience with and interpretation of the bulk mixed-layer model Programming experience and presentation skills Interpretation of measurements of boundary-layer processes
3	Module content Definition of the atmospheric boundary layer Mathematical tools (statistics) Governing equations of turbulent flows Prognostic equations for turbulent fluxes and variances Turbulent kinetic energy, stability and scaling Turbulence closure techniques Boundary conditions and external forcings Mathematical tools (time series analysis) Similarity theory Measurement and simulation The convective mixed layer Stable boundary layer Boundary layer clouds
4	Teaching methods Lectures and exercises. In addition, a one-day excursion to the JOYCE observational site will be organized to perform and interpret measurements of boundary-layer processes (attendance recommended)
5	Prerequisites (for the module) Formal: None. The content of the course requires the undergraduate knowledge of vector calculus, linear algebra, tensor notation, and the governing equations of atmospheric flow.
6	Type of examination At the beginning of the lecture-free period, there is a 120 to 180-minute written examination, the content of which is the material from the lecture and exercises. Successful completion of the exercises is required for admission to the examination; for this, the acquisition of 50% of the points to be achieved is sufficient. A repeat examination is offered before or at the beginning of the following semester. The examination grade is the module grade. In the case of two passed examinations (see § 20 paragraph 10 examination regulations), the better grade is the module grade.
7	Credits awarded The module is passed, and the credit points will be awarded, if the written examination is passed.
8	Compatibility with other curricula Suitable as an elective course for physics students.
9	Proportion of final grade Weight of the module grade in the overall grade: 6/150 (4 %)
10	Module coordinator Roel Neggers
11	Further information Version: 2023-03-23