701-1236-00L  Measurement Methods in Meteorology and Climate Research

SemesterSpring Semester 2019
LecturersM. Hirschi, D. Michel, S. I. Seneviratne
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionGerman


AbstractPhysical, technical, and theoretical basics for measuring physical quantities in the atmosphere. Considerations related to the planning of observation campaigns and to data evaluation.
ObjectiveBecome sensitive for specific problems when making measurements in the atmosphere under severe environmental conditions. Know the different methods and techniques, develop criteria for the choice of the optimal measurement method for a given problem. Find the optimal observation strategy in terms of choice of instrument, frequency of observation, accuracy, etc.
ContentProblems related to time series analysis, sampling theorem, time constant and sampling rate. Theoretical analysis of different sensors for temperature, humidity, wind, and pressure. Discussion of effects disturbing the instruments. Principles of active and passive remote sensing. Measuring turbulent fluxes (e.g. heatflux) using eddy-correlation technique. Discussion of technical realizations of complex observing systems (radiosondes, automatic weather stations, radar, wind profilers). Demonstration of instruments.
Lecture notesStudents can download a copy of the lectures as PDF-files.
Literature- Emeis, Stefan: Measurement Methods in Atmospheric Sciences, In situ and remote. Bornträger 2010, ISBN 978-3-443-01066-9
- Brock, F. V. and S. J. Richardson: Meteorological Measurement Systems, Oxford University Press 2001, ISBN 0-19-513451-6
- Thomas P. DeFelice: An Introduction to Meteorological Instrumentation and Measurement. Prentice-Hall 2000, 229 p., ISBN 0-13-243270-6
- Fritschen, L.J., Gay L.W.: Environmental Instrumentation, 216 p., Springer, New York 1979.
- Lenschow, D.H. (ed.): Probing the Atmospheric Boundary Layer, 269 p., American Meteorological Society, Boston MA 1986.
- Meteorological Office (publ.): Handbook of Meteorological Instruments, 8 vols., Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London 1980.
- Wang, J.Y., Felton, C.M.M.: Instruments for Physical Environmental measurements, 2 vol., 801 p., Kendall/Hunt Publ. Comp., Dubuque Iowa 1975/76.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe lecture focuses on physical atmospheric parameters while lecture 701-0234-00 concentrates on the chemical quantities. The lectures are complementary, together they provide the instrumental basics for the lab course 701-0460-00. Contact hours of the lab course are such that the lectures can be attended (which is recommended).