Boundary Layer Climates

This modern climatology textbook explains those climates formed near the ground in terms of the cycling of energy and mass through systems.

This modern climatology textbook explains those climates formed near the ground in terms of the cycling of energy and mass through systems.

Offers a concise description of atmospheric layers sensitively pitched for the non-meteorological specialist in a variety of disciplines: in geography, agriculture, forestry, ecology, engineering, environment and planning.

The first full synthesis of modern scientific and applied research on urban climates, suitable for students and researchers alike.

First published in 2011. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

This book provides an up-to-date, comprehensive treatment of microclimate and local climate. It describes and explains the climate within the lower atmosphere and upper soil, the region critical to life on Earth. It is invaluable for advanced students and researchers in climatology, environmental science, geography, meteorology, agricultural science, and forestry.

If one surveys the development of wind engineering, one comes to the conclusion that the challenge of urban climatology is one of the most important remaining tasks for the wind engineers. But what distinguishes wind engineering in urban areas from conventional wind engineering? Principally, the fact that the effects studied are usually unique to a particular situation, requiring consideration of the surroundings of the buildings. In the past, modelling criteria have been developed that make it possible to solve environmental problems with great confidence, and studies validated the models: at least in a neutrally stratified atmosphere. The approach adopted in the book is that of applied fluid mechanics, since this forms the basis for the evaluation of the urban wind field. Variables for air quality or loads are problem specific, or even random, and methods for studying them are based on risk analysis, which is also presented. Criteria are developed for a systematic approach to urban wind engineering problems, including parameter studies. The five sections of the book are: Fundamentals of urban boundary layer and dispersion; Forces on complex structures in built-up areas; Air pollution in cities; Numerical solution techniques; and Posters. A subject index is included.