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651-4053-05L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-USYS , D-ERDW , D-MATH , D-PHYS
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Boundary Layer Meteorology

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Mathias Rotach, Dr. Pierluigi Calanca
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:48:49

Abstract

The Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) constitutes the interface between the atmosphere and the Earth's surface. Theory on transport processes in the PBL and their dynamics is provided. The course starts by providing the theoretical background and reviewing idealized concepts. These are contrasted to real world applications and discussed in the context of current research issues.

Objective

Overall goals of this course are given below. Focus is on the theoretical background and idealized concepts. Students have basic knowledge on atmospheric turbulence and theoretical as well as practical approaches to treat Planetary Boundary Layer flows. They are familiar with the relevant processes (turbulent transport, forcing) within, and typical states of the Planetary Boundary Layer. Idealized concepts are known as well as their adaptations under real surface conditions (as for example over complex topography).

Content

- Introduction - Turbulence - Statistical tratment of turbulence, turbulent transport - Conservation equations in a turbulent flow - Closure problem and closure assumptions - Scaling and similarity theory - Spectral characteristics - Concepts for non-ideal boundary layer conditions

Resources

Lecture Notes

available (i.e. in English)

Literature

- Stull, R.B.: 1988, "An Introduction to Boundary Layer Meteorology", (Kluwer), 666 pp. - Panofsky, H. A. and Dutton, J.A.: 1984, "Atmospheric Turbulence, Models and Methods for Engineering Applications", (J. Wiley), 397 pp. - Kaimal JC and Finningan JJ: 1994, Atmospheric Boundary Layer Flows, Oxford University Press, 289 pp. - Wyngaard JC: 2010, Turbulence in the Atmosphere, Cambridge University Press, 393pp.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes
Lernelemente: Werden vier Übungen erfolgreich gelöst, so wird ein Bonus von 0.25 Notenpunkten erteilt (Erhöhung der Gesamtnote um 0.25 Notenpunkte).

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Boundary Layer Meteorology
  • Fri 08:15-10:00 (CAB G 51)
  • Fri 12:15-13:00 (CAB G 61)
3 h weekly

Offered In