Theory
Unit I
Properties of atmosphere near the Earth’s surface; exchange of mass momentum and energy between surface and overlaying atmosphere, exchange coefficient, similarity hypothesis, shearing stress, forced and free convection.
Unit II
Molecular and eddy transport of heat, water vapour and momentum, frictional effects, eddy diffusion, mixing; zero plane displacement, temperature instability, eddy covariance technique, microclimate near the bare ground, unstable and inversion layers, variation in microclimate under irrigated and rainfed conditions, soil moisture and temperature variation with depth; Richardson number, Raymonds analogy, Exchange coefficients.
Unit III
Micrometeorology of plant canopies; distribution of temperature, humidity, vapour pressure, wind and carbon dioxide; modification of microclimate due to cultural practices, intercropping; radiation distribution and utilization by plant communities, leaf temperature and its biological effects; influence of topography on microclimate; shelter belts and wind breaks, microclimate in low plant area of meadows and grain fields, microclimate within forests, glass house and plastic house climates; instruments and measuring techniques in micrometeorology.
Unit IV
Effects of ambient weather conditions on growth, development and yield of crops; measurement of global and diffuse radiation; measurement of albedo over natural surfaces and cropped surfaces; net radiation measurement at different levels; PAR distribution in plant canopies and interception; wind, temperature and humidity profiles in (a) short crops and (b) tall crops; energy balance over crops and LAI and biomass estimation; remote sensing and its application in relation to micrometeorology.