Upon completion of the course, students should

•     Know the basic concept of numerical modeling and the PALM model
•     Know sources of input data for the model
•     Be able to process the input data for modeling
•     Perform simple urban climate modeling
•     Be able to evaluate the model results

The course provides an introduction to urban climate modeling using the PALM model. The focus of the course is on the basic concept of the model, the acquisition and processing of the input data for the modeling, and the evaluation of the results.

The seminar includes lecture blocks for the theoretical concepts and exercise blocks for the practical application such as the preparation of input data and the evaluation of results.

Maronga, B. et al. 2020: Overview of the PALM model system 6.0, Geosci. Model Dev., 13, 1335–1372, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-13-1335-2020

Resler, J. et al. 2021: Validation of the PALM model system 6.0 in a real urban environment: a case study in Dejvice, Prague, the Czech Republic, Geosci. Model Dev., 14, 4797–4842, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-14-4797-2021

Heldens, W. et al. 2020: Geospatial input data for the PALM model system 6.0: model requirements, data sources and processing, Geosci. Model Dev., 13, 5833–5873, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-13-5833-2020

The aim is to develop research questions and hypotheses on a soil-related topic that can be addressed with simple laboratory experiments and data analysis.

Biochar has been discussed for some years as a possibility for improving soil fertility and for long-term C fixation in soils. However, there are always contradictory results on the measurable effects on soil chemical, soil biological and soil physical parameters. Experiments are to be designed and carried out on this topic.

After a short introduction to the topic and the provision of introductory literature, the students develop questions and corresponding concepts for laboratory experiments. These are presented and discussed in detail in order to subsequently carry out the experiments independently. The subsequent statistical and content-related data evaluation is closely supervised and the results are finally presented in the form of posters.

Johannes Lehmann (2007): A handful of carbon. Nature 447, 143-144.

Independent assessment of floristic & faunistic mapping using innovative approaches of ecological landscape analysis and GIS-based tools and methods

Building on the floristic mapping and evaluations in Measuring & Modelling I, in-depth knowledge of ecological landscape analysis is taught. Using GIS-supported tools and methods, spatial analyses are carried out and evaluated according to the requirements of environmental planning and its instruments.

Environmental planning and legal principles of nature conservation planning are taught using the example of an environmental impact study (EIS).

In group work, sub-aspects of the EIS are worked out independently and the results of the analyses are presented. In doing so, different objects of protection relevant in the EIA are addressed and spatial resistance analyses are carried out in order to be able to evaluate the effects of construction projects on the environment.

Introduction to soil physics with exercises on water and material flow in the unsaturated zone

In the seminar, general soil physics on water and mass transport is taught. In addition to the lecture part, simple exercises on soil physics will be worked on.

Presentations on different topics of water flow will be given online during the semester and a written paper by the end of the semester will serve as proof of performance.

The seminar will include both lecture and exercise blocks. Depending on the coronalage, a day excursion to Jülich will be offered.