Mathias Rotach: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2024

Name Prof. Dr. Mathias Rotach
(Professor Leopold-Franzens-Universität Innsbruck (Innsbruck University))
FieldGrenzschichtmeteorologie
Address
Universität Innsbruck
Innrain 52
Atmosphärenwissenschaften
6020 Innsbruck
AUSTRIA
Telephone+43 512 507 54452
Fax+43 512 507 54599
E-mailmathias.rotach@env.ethz.ch
DepartmentEnvironmental Systems Science
RelationshipLecturer

NumberTitleECTSHoursLecturers
651-4053-05LBoundary Layer Meteorology4 credits3GM. Rotach, P. Calanca
AbstractThe 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.
Learning objectiveStudents 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
Lecture notesavailable (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.
Prerequisites / NoticeUmwelt-Fluiddynamik (701-0479-00L) (environment fluid dynamics) or equivalent and basic knowledge in atmospheric science
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Decision-makingfostered
Problem-solvingfostered
Personal CompetenciesCreative Thinkingfostered