The Physics of AtmospheresDr Houghton has revised the acclaimed first edition of The Physics of Atmospheres in order to bring this important textbook completely up-to-date. Several factors have led to vigorous growth in the atmospheric sciences, particularly the availability of powerful computers for detailed modelling, the investigation of the atmospheres of other planets, and techniques of remote sensing. The author describes the physical processes governing the structure and circulation of the atmosphere. Simple physical models are constructed by applying the principles of classical thermodynamics, radiative transfer and fluid mechanics, together with analytic and numerical techniques. These models are applied to real planetary atmospheres. This new edition is essential for undergraduates or graduate students studying atmospheric physics, climatology or meteorology, as well as planetary scientists with an interest in atmospheres. |
Contents
A radiative equilibrium model | 8 |
Thermodynamics | 17 |
More complex radiation transfer | 31 |
The upper atmosphere | 46 |
Clouds | 67 |
Dynamics | 74 |
Atmospheric waves | 87 |
Turbulence | 103 |
The general circulation | 115 |
Numerical modelling | 134 |
Global observation | 146 |
Atmospheric predictability and climatic change | 160 |
Bibliography | 187 |
Answers to problems and hints to their solution | 193 |
Common terms and phrases
absorbed absorption adiabatic altitude applies appropriate approximation assumed atmos atmosphere average band becomes boundary layer Calculate carbon dioxide chapter circulation clouds coefficient collision compared components considered constant continuity density derive described direction earth's eddy effect emission equal equation equilibrium expression flow fluid flux frequency function given gradient heat height Hence horizontal Illustrating important increases integration known latitude lower mass mean measurements mixing molecular molecules momentum motion Note observed occur ozone particularly path physical potential energy pressure problem processes quantity radiative ratio region respectively result scale simple solar radiation solution spectral Substituting surface temperature term tion transfer turbulence typical uniform unit variation varies velocity Venus vertical water vapour wavelength waves wind zonal др ду дх
Popular passages
Page 188 - Quart. /. R. Met. Soc., 84, pp. 205-224. 1969 ' The atmospheric boundary layer in relation to large scale dynamics.