Turbulent Boundary Layers in the Atmosphere and Ocean
The atmospheric boundary layer is the part of the atmosphere that is directly influenced by the surface of the Earth. The layer is turbulent and heat, moisture, momentum as well as other constituents are effectively transported and mixed in this layer. It is also where we live and the prime climate variable near surface temperature is found.
This course introduces the structure of the atmospheric turbulent boundary layer and the similar layers that are found in the ocean. Some turbulence theory as well as empirical methods to analyse and understand these layers are covered. What controls the depth of the layer and how turbulent it is as well as the efficient mixing and turbulent transport is discussed and how these processes influence the general circulation of the atmosphere and ocean. Methods on how to solve problems related to the boundary layer as well as how it is observed and modeled are also covered in the course as well as providing concepts to understand how pollutants are dispersed.
Information for admitted students autumn 2024
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department - courses
Welcome to your studies at the Department of Meteorology, Stockholm University.
All accepted students receive a welcome letter via email with important information for their studies.
Roll Call
At MISU, the course starts with a mandatory roll call. You will get more detailed information about the roll call via email. If you plan to start the education but for some reason cannot participate at the roll call, please contact our study counselor. Otherwise you risk losing your spot in the course. Contact information for the study counselor is listed at the bottom of this page.
Registration
If you are accepted to a course, you can register for it through your University account.
You can register online in Ladok, by logging in with the "eduID" or "Universityadmissions.se" options. Please note that you cannot log in with the option "Access through your institution".
If you have problems registering, please contact our study counselor. Contact information is listed at the bottom of this page.
Conditionally accepted
If you have been accepted with conditions then you must contact the study counselor before you can start the education. Please do this as soon as possible and well ahead of the start of the course. Contact information is listed at the bottom of this page.
On a waiting list
Have you received information that you are on a waiting list for a course? You will always be contacted by us via email if you are accepted. Generally, we do not accept anyone from the waiting list beyond 1 week into the semester.
Find your way to MISU
MISU has its own lecture rooms and all of them are in the same corridor as the rest of the department. You will get your own entry card for access to the department. MISU is located on 6th floor, building C in the Arrhenius Laboratories.
Classes during the coming semester
You can find more detailed information about each individual course via the teaching platform Athena. You will get access to each respective course page as soon as you activate your University account and have been registered for the course. If you have any questions, please contact the study counselor (contact information below).
Contact
Study counselor
Phone: 08-162418
Email: studievagledare@misu.su.se
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
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For new international students
This course introduces the structure of the atmospheric turbulent boundary layer and the similar layers that are found in the ocean. Some turbulence theory as well as empirical methods to analyse and understand these layers are covered. What controls the depth of the layer and how turbulent it is as well as the efficient mixing and turbulent transport is discussed and how these processes influence the general circulation of the atmosphere and ocean. Methods on how to solve problems related to the boundary layer as well as how it is observed and modeled are also covered in the course as well as providing concepts to understand how pollutants are dispersed.
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Course structure
The course starts with introduction to turbulence and how a boundary layer is defined. The equations of motion are derived for the layer using Reynolds averaging. Similarity theory for the lowest part of the boundary layer, the surface layer, is introduced and established through empirical data. The influence of stability and rotation is discussed as well as the influence on the larger scales and dispersion.
Students with a background in Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry (MO4000), Meteorology I (MO8001), and Meteorology II (MO8002), can easily follow the course.
Teaching format
The course is composed of lectures and exercises and two labs, one with observations of primarily the near surface wind and one where the diurnal cycle of near surface variables and the boundary layer structure are studied using a single-column model.
Course materials
Grading criteria, course literature and other materials and correspondence related to the course will be available on the course Athena-site at https://athena.itslearning.com once you have registered for the course.
Assessment
The examination is done by a written exam. Grading is done on a seven-step scale:
- A = Excellent
- B = Very good
- C = Good
- D = Satisfactory
- E =Sufficient
- Fx = Failed, some more work is required
- F = Failed, a lot more work is required
For passing the course, at least grade E is required, as well as passed written presentations of laborations and participation in all compulsory teaching.
Examiner
Here is a link to a list of course coordinators and examiners.
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.You can search for schedules from previous years in TimeEdit, by entering the course code.
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Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
- Jordi Vilà-Guerau de Arellano et al: Atmospheric Boundary Layer, Cambridge University Press, 2015. ISBN: 9781316117422.
- Holton, J. R. and Hakim, G.J.: An introduction to dynamic meteorology, 5th edition, International Geophysics Series, Academic Press, 2013, 552 pp. Print Book ISBN: 9780123848666, eBook ISBN: 9780123848673
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Course reports
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More information
Upcoming courses
The course is held every autumn semester.
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Contact
Study counselor
