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651-4053-05L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-USYS , D-PHYS , D-MATH
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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 16:14:57

Abstract

The Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) constitutes the lower part of the atmosphere, is characterized by turbulent mixing and ensures the exchange of energy, mass and momentum between the Earth’s surface and the atmosphere. The course provides the theoretical background for understanding the structure and dynamics of the PBL. Idealized concepts are reviewed and contrasted to real world applications.

Objective

Students are able to: - Name the basic approaches needed to describe planetary boundary layer flows and associated turbulent exchange processes. - Apply these concepts to answer comprehension questions and solve simple problems related to the structure and dynamics of the PBL. - Independently judge the applicability of learned concepts and tools to real-world situations.

Content

- Introduction - PBL structure and stability - Turbulence and turbulent transport - Scaling and similarity theory - Spectral characteristics - Conservation equations in a turbulent flow - Closure problem and closure assumptions - Rough surfaces and the roughness sublayer - Complex terrain

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)
  • 17.11 Date 08:15-10:00 (CHN F 46)
  • 17.11 Date 12:15-13:00 (CHN F 46)
3 h weekly

Offered In