MAQ-20306 Atmosphere-Land Surface Interactions

Vak

Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Introduction Atmosphere, Meteorology and Climate, Soil and Water II, Introduction to Atmospheric Fluid Dynamics

Contents:

In this course the processes near the interface between the atmosphere and land surfaces are dealt with. The role of solar and infrared radiation and the vertical transfer of momentum, heat and mass (water vapour, CO2 , other greenhouse gases and gases causing air pollution) near the earth's surface are discussed. The course focuses on the processes taking place in the upper soil layer and the lowest atmospheric layer. Both bare soils and vegetated surfaces will be treated. The interactions with the underlying soil and the atmospheric boundary layer (up to several km) will be dealt with also in a simple way as introduction to Boundary-layer Processes. The course provides background knowledge to understand, and -if needed- improve sub-models for atmosphere-land interaction processes that are applied nowadays in climate and weather forecast models, in soil models, in hydrological water budget models, in models for crop-water requirements for irrigation or in models for air pollution. This knowledge is needed for policymakers involved in environmental issues such as climate change.

Aims:

Upon completion of the course you are assumed to:
- be familiar with the most important exchange processes at or near land surfaces;
- know the physical principles governing these processes;
- understand the way in which these processes are being modelled in large- and small-scale models and for practical applications;
- be able to solve practical problems related to these processes (e.g. calculation of evaporation, soil temperatures, CO2-transport, deposition, surface temperature and the radiation balance);
- be able to provide relevant information to students interested in policymaking processes concerning issues such as climate change.

Activities:

Studying all relevant material presented during the lectures and in the lecture notes. Performing all exercises (both at home and during the practical, making use of interactive MATHCAD modules).

Examination:

A written exam containing exercises and essay questions. Use of existing written material is not permitted, except that a sheet with the most important equations will be supplied.

Literature:

H.A.R. de Bruin "Atmosphere-Land Interactions".
T.R. Oke "Boundary Layer Climates", Methuen & Co. Ltd.