MICROMETEOROLOGY

Introduction
Meteorological conditions can be highly variable spatially (in space) and temporally (in time). There are numerous factors that we must consider when assessing microclimate. Aspect, altitude, shelter, effects of water bodies, effects of vegetation, effects of the urban environment etc., all contribute to the micrometeorological conditions of a location. These factors help explain why some places may have different weather conditions than those given a regional forecast (e.g. at the top of a mountain or by the coast), or why microclimate may vary dramatically over a short distance (e.g. when you walk into a wood). These local variations in climate have implications for other aspects of the environment. Microclimate will be a factor in determining vegetation communities, spoils, agricultural use, weathering etc.

In order to quantify microclimatic variations we must measure a range of micrometeorological parameters. Typical parameters include air temperature, soil temperature, humidity, wind, speed, cloud cover, light intensity, precipitation, hours of sunshine etc. Some parameters (e.g. temperature, soil temperature, wind speed, humidity) may be measured at various heights above or below ground level.

The practical exercise involved an assessment of micrometeorological variations (i.e. differences/similarities) across the University campus. The following variables will be recorded simultaneously at 8 locations across the campus:

• Soil temperature
• Air temperature (at shoulder height)
• Relative Humidity
• Wind speed (at shoulder height)

Assessment
The aim of the assignment is to determine whether the Edge Hill University campus has a microclimate.

Using the data from time period when you completed the data collection, you are required to:

• Graph the data in an appropriate manner to show how microclimate between the 8 locations varies through time.
• Establish the maximum, minimum and mean values for each variable in each location.. Present this data appropriately.
• Using your graphical and numerical data, describe and contrast the data sets.
• Suggest reasons for any differences/similarities in the meteorological data between the ten locations observed in your data. You may need to conduct wider reading in order to address this question.

You are expected to word process your work and use spreadsheets to handle and display your data.

Marking Criteria

• Appropriate graphical display of data 25%
(correct choice of graph type, correct labelling)
• Correct numerical analysis of data set 10%
• Appropriate description of data set 25%
• Informed explanation of any observed differences/similarities 25%
in the data set
• Correct use of referencing/ a bibliography 5%
• High standard of presentation (spelling, layout, tidiness etc) 10%

Learning Outcomes

Practical Learning Outcomes
• Proficiency in using micrometeorological equipment

Assessment Learning Outcomes
• Development of graphical and numeric skills
• Experience of data description
• Knowledge of factors controlling microclimate

Bibliography

Barry, R.G. and Chorley, R.J. (2003) Atmosphere, Weather and Climate (8th Edition). Routledge, London.

Smithson, P., Addison, K. and Atkinson, K. (2008) Fundamentals of the Physical Environment (4th Edition.) Routledge. Chapter 8.

Holden, J. (ed.) (2008) An Introduction to Physical Geography and the Environment. (2nd Edition) Pearson Prentice Hall. Chapter 6.

Mathews, H. and Foster, I. (1989) Geographical Data: sources, presentation and analysis. OUP.

Oke, T.R. (1987). Boundary Layer Climates. Routledge, London.

In addition to the above selection you will find information on micrometeorology in numerous other general textbooks.
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