Modelling of the Energy and Matter Exchange

Within micrometeorology the term modelling is not uniquely defined. It refers to various methods covering a range of complexity extending from simple regressions up to complicated numerical models. In applied meteorology (agrometeorology and hydrometeorology) simple analytical models are very common. Modelling of evaporation is particularly important but sophisticated numerical methods are not yet widely used in this research area.—The following section describes different types of models and their limitations beginning with simple analytical methods up to numerical models of near-surface energy and matter transport. Special attention is given to large-eddy simulation, which is increasingly used in urban boundary layer modelling, flow around wind turbines, and also in basic micrometeorological research. The application of models in heterogeneous terrain receives special attention and related flux averaging approaches are addressed in a separate section.