The PALM Model Conference 2024 (PMC24) is a key event for the meteorological modelling community, scheduled to take place from September 17-20, 2024, in Offenbach at the Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD).
The conference focuses on the latest advancements in the PALM-4U model system, which are crucial for atmospheric and environmental simulations.
Topics include model development, validation, and real-world applications. PALM-4U, a high-resolution urban climate model, is designed to simulate and assess the impact of urban environments on weather, air quality, and climate.
Patricia Glocke gave a presentation titled "Modelling Impacts of Subsurface Thermal Anomalies on Potential Air Temperatures in Berlin," gaining valuable insights and feedback from modelling experts. The event provided a unique opportunity for in-depth discussions with industry specialists.
In total there have been 145 participants (online+in person) from24 different countries all over the world. In comparison to last year the number more than doubles, showing the increasing value of PALM in the recent scientific research.
The annual AK Klima conference at the end of September focuses on scientific research concerning current issues in climatology and meteorology and was held at Klimahaus Bremerhaven. It was a great opportunity to learn about the latest research from climate experts and engage in many scientific discussions, fostering inspiration for future work. (https://www.akklima24.de/)
Below a picture of the poster session with GRUSS member Patricia, presenting her research about the effect of extra heat in the subsurface on energy fluxes in the atmosphere, modelled
with the microscale large-eddy-simulation model PALM-4U. In addition to the participation of IPF (GRUSS group), five scientists from IMK-ASF (Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research – Atmospheric Trace Gases and Remote Sensing), led by Prof. Dr. Jan Cermak, attended the conference and enriched it with their research on fog. KIT was well-represented and contributed many presentations to the conference program.
Environmental scientist Susanne Benz wants to recover artificial heat under large cities: Hot water pipes, boiler rooms and subway shafts constantly release heat into the ground. Near underground car parks, it is sometimes ten degrees warmer than in the surrounding area. The accumulated heat could be pumped upwards via the heated groundwater to operate heat pumps. The heat pumps extract energy from the water. The water cools down and is fed back into the depths. "Until the ground reaches the normal temperature that prevails outside the city," says Benz. With the support of a Freigeist Fellowship, she will continue to research this idea over the coming years.
Video portrait
Dr. Susanne Benz talked about her latest publication in alleWetter! HR, 20.6.2024
Watch it here
We Love Science! Patricia Glocke at the Summer Science Slam 2024 by VolkswagenStiftung in Hannover
The Summer Science Slam 2024, organized by the VolkswagenStiftung, focused this year on topics related to climate, environment, and energy. Held on July 12th at the Explanatorium Herrenhausen, the event featured seven scientists presenting their research to an engaged audience of approximately 400 attendees. Due to the high level of interest and limited seats, many spectators had to be turned away, and follow the event via livestream.
The challenge of the Science Slam is to communicate complex scientific concepts in an engaging and comprehensible manner within a ten-minute timeframe.
Patricia Glocke presented her research in a talk titled “Hot Secrets: How the Subsurface Heats Up Air Temperatures and Why We Can Still Stay Cool - A Turbulent Affair with the Atmosphere.” In her presentation she examined how variations in ground temperatures influence energy flows and air temperatures, while also discussing the modeling techniques employed to analyze these phenomena and the everyday challenges faced by researchers in this domain.
To conclude her presentation, Patricia distributed ice pops to the audience, providing a literal and figurative cooling effect after the intense discussion. This event offered a valuable opportunity to make scientific research more accessible to the public and to highlight the significance and implications of subsurface heat.
Watch it here
The Summer Academy in Baden-Württemberg is an educational program designed to provide exceptional students bevor their graduation a unique opportunity to enhance their skills and interests across various disciplines. The program targets talented individuals, particularly those from challenging backgrounds, offering them a platform to advance their abilities and knowledge. This includes individuals from socially disadvantaged circumstances, low educational backgrounds of parents, or those who have faced significant challenges such as fleeing from wars and conflict zones.
The program offers participants the chance to delve deeply into specific topics from diverse fields such as medicine, psychology, robotics and AI, literature, economics and climate and environmental science, that extend beyond the standard school curriculum.
In addition to theoretical knowledge, the program emphasizes practical application through workshops and projects. This hands-on approach helps students apply the concepts they have learned in a practical context.
Course Highlights
Patricia Glocke and Svea Krikau had the privilege to teach the climate and environmental sciences course, guiding students over eight days. The course encompassed a wide range of topics, including:
Fundamental Climate Science: An introduction to the basic principles of climate science.
Data Processing: Instruction in data processing using Python and Google Earth Engine. Students developed projects on topics such as the evolution of nightlights over recent years and forest fire monitoring.
Sensor Technology: An introduction to sensor technology, where students had the opportunity to conduct their own measurements and analyze the data collected.
Furthermore, each evening, experts were invited, and discussions extended late into the night, fostering a rich exchange of ideas among all participants.
The Summer Academy Talent in Baden-Württemberg not only provides valuable academic enrichment but also encourages personal growth and interdisciplinary learning, making it a significant opportunity for young talents in the region.