MAQ-33306 Field Experiment Meteorology and Air Quality

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

MAQ-22806 Atmosphere-Vegetation-Soil Interactions

Continuation courses:

Boundary-layer Processes (MAQ-32306)

Contents:

An important way of exploring the interaction between the atmosphere and the land surface is performing measurements. Usually this entails the assessment of the vertical fluxes of energy: radiation, soil heat flux, turbulent fluxes of heat, water vapour and other gases such as CO2. In this practical the following aspects of such an experiment will be treated:
- the physical and chemical measurement principles and error analysis;
- the use of state-of-the-art equipment (sensors and dataloggers) both in the laboratory (calibration) and in the field (datalogging and -processing);

Learning outcomes:

After this course the student is expected to be able to:
- calibrate a number of meteorological instruments;
- construct and run a micrometeorological experimental station and interpret the data it produces;
- apply the theories on the exchange of mass and energy between the atmosphere and the land-surface for performing measurements;
- write a concise and accurate report on the experiments;
- appraise, judge and criticise scientific literature on micrometeorological experiments;
- assess the quality of measurements made by others.

Activities:

- receive instructions about the physical and chemical background of measurement techniques, study the written material and perform exercises;
- perform a number of calibrations and write a report on the results;
- maintain an experimental station, perform quality control of data and process the data into relevant quantities (including writing and/or adapting computer programs);
- present the results in a poster, an oral presentation and a short scientific report.

Examination:

Assessment is based on:
- labjournals and calibration reports;
- the quality of the dataset submitted after finishing the measurements;
- the poster and the oral presentation of it;
- the scientific report;
- the student's functioning during the practical.