Fundamentals of Atmospheric Physics

Fundamentals of Atmospheric Physics emphasizes the interrelationships of physical and dynamical meteorology. The text unifies four major subject areas: atmospheric thermodynamics, hydrostatic equilibrium and stability, atmospheric radiation and clouds, and atmospheric dynamics. These fundamental areas serve as cornerstones of modern atmospheric research on environmental issues like global change and ozone depletion. Physical concepts underlying these subject areas are developed from first principles, providing a self-contained text for students and scholars from diverse backgrounds.

The presentation is Lagrangian (single-body problems) in perspective, with a balance of theory and application. Each chapter includes detailed and extensive problems; selected answers are provided, as are appendices of various constants. The text requires a thorough foundation in calculus.

Presents a comprehensive introduction to atmospheric thermodynamics, hydrostatics, radiation and clouds, and dynamicsDevelops concepts from first principles, providing a self-contained volume for readers from diverse backgroundsEmphasizes the interaction of physical processes shaping global problems of atmospheric energetics, transport, and chemistryProvides a balance of theory and applications, with examples drawn from a wide range of phenomena figuring in global atmospheric researchExtensively illustrated with global satellite imagery and analyses and photographs of laboratory simulationsExercises apply to a wide range of topical problems

A Global View. Thermodynamics of Gases. The Second Law and Its Implications. Heterogeneous Systems. Transformations of Moist Air. Hydrostatic Equilibrium. Hydrostatic Stability. Atmospheric Radiation. Aerosol and Clouds. Atmospheric Motion. Atmospheric Equations of Motion. Large-Scale Motion. The Planetary Boundary Layer. Atmospheric Waves. The General Circulation. Hydrodynamic Instability. The Middle Atmosphere. Appendices. Chapter Problems. Answers to Selected Problems. References. Subject Index. (Section Headings): A Global View. Thermodynamics of Gases. The Second Law and Its Implications. Heterogeneous Systems. Transformations of Moist Air. Hydrostatic Equilibrium. Hydrostatic Stability. Atmospheric Radiation. Aerosol and Clouds. Atmospheric Motion. Atmospheric Equations of Motion. Large-Scale Motion. The Planetary Boundary Layer. Atmospheric Waves. The General Circulation. Hydrodynamic Instability. The Middle Atmosphere. Appendices. Chapter Problems. Answers to Selected Problems. References. Subject Index.