Boundary Layer Meteorology

Dates: The class will run during Semester 1 2026

Lecture / Workshop Times: (tbc).

Location: School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment (9 Rainforest Walk), Monash University Clayton Campus.

Costs: None

Boundary layer meteorology pertains to "the part of the troposphere that is directly influenced by the presence of the earth's surface, and responds to surface forcings with a timescale of about an hour or less." This unit details: aspects of turbulence unique to the boundary layer, the surface layer including Monin-obukhov similarity theory, surface fluxes and boundary layer entrainment processes, a hierarchy of numerical models of the boundary layer. Finally, this unit discusses air pollution meteorology within the boundary layer.

Learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Apply a conceptual definition of the atmospheric boundary layer and various quantitative definitions;

2. Appraise the dynamical and physical processes that affect that atmospheric boundary layer;

3. Appraise the diurnal cycle of the terrestrial boundary layer and the evolution of the maritime boundary layer during warm and cold air advection;

4. Appraise a hierarchy of models of the atmospheric boundary layer and construct a 'mixed layer model';

5. Critically analyse scientific literature on the atmospheric boundary layer.

Assessment:

1 - Written Assignments, 30%

2 - Oral presentation, 10%

3 - Written Report, 10%

4 - Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes), 50

Registration

Coordinator: Steven Siems