Applied Atmospheric Dynamics

by Lynch, Amanda H.; Cassano, John J.

• ISBN13: 9780470861721
• ISBN10: 047086172X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-08-21
• Publisher: WILEY

Summary

The weather can be a cause of disruption, despair and even danger everywhere around the world at one time or another. Even when benign it is a source of constant fascination. Applied Atmospheric Dynamics connects this interest with the theoretic underpinnings of fluid dynamics; linking real physical events as diverse as Hurricane Katrina and the strong katabatic winds of Antarctica, with quantitative conceptual models of atmospheric behaviour. Assuming only basic calculus the book provides a physical basis for understanding atmospheric motions around the globe as well as detailing the advances that have led to a greater understanding of weather and climate. The accompanying supplementary cd-rom features colour graphics, maps, databases, animations, project materials, as well as weather data tips. * covers the standard theoretical principles of atmospheric dynamics and applies the theory to global real world examples; * assumes only non-vector based calculus; * features supplementary cd-rom with electronic versions of all figures, case study data and possible term projects; * an invaluable text for students of Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Geography and Environmental Science.

Author Biography

Dr Amanda Lynch and Dr John Cassano, CIRES, University of Colorado at Boulder, USA.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Part I Anatomy of a cyclone	1	(164)
1 Anatomy of a cyclone	3	(20)
1.1 A 'typical' extra-tropical cyclone	3	(1)
1.2 Describing the atmosphere	4	(5)
1.3 Air masses and fronts	9	(5)
1.4 The structure of a typical extra-tropical cyclone	14	(6)
Review questions	20	(3)
2 Mathematical methods in fluid dynamics	23	(18)
2.1 Scalars and vectors	23	(1)
2.2 The algebra of vectors	23	(4)
2.3 Scalar and vector fields	27	(1)
2.4 Coordinate systems on the Earth	27	(1)
2.5 Gradients of vectors	28	(3)
2.6 Line and surface integrals	31	(3)
2.7 Eulerian and Lagrangian frames of reference	34	(1)
2.8 Advection	35	(3)
Review questions	38	(3)
3 Properties of fluids	41	(16)
3.1 Solids, liquids, and gases	41	(1)
3.2 Thermodynamic properties of air	42	(1)
3.3 Composition of the atmosphere	43	(3)
3.4 Static stability	46	(4)
3.5 The continuum hypothesis	50	(1)
3.6 Practical assumptions	50	(1)
3.7 Continuity equation	51	(2)
Review questions	53	(4)
4 Fundamental forces	57	(22)
4.1 Newton's second law: F= ma	57	(1)
4.2 Body, surface, and line forces	57	(1)
4.3 Forces in an inertial reference frame	58	(8)
4.4 Forces in a rotating reference frame	66	(6)
4.5 The Navier-Stokes equations	72	(2)
Review questions	74	(5)
5 Scale analysis	79	(14)
5.1 Dimensional homogeneity	79	(1)
5.2 Scales	80	(1)
5.3 Non-dimensional parameters	80	(4)
5.4 Scale analysis	84	(3)
5.5 The geostrophic approximation	87	(4)
Review questions	91	(2)
6 Simple steady motion	93	(26)
6.1 Natural coordinate system	93	(2)
6.2 Balanced flow	95	(9)
6.3 The Boussinesq approximation	104	(1)
6.4 The thermal wind	105	(3)
6.5 Departures from balance	108	(6)
Review questions	114	(5)
7 Circulation and vorticity	119	(16)
7.1 Circulation	119	(5)
7.2 Vorticity	124	(2)
7.3 Conservation of potential vorticity	126	(4)
7.4 An introduction to the vorticity equation	130	(2)
Review questions	132	(3)
8 Simple wave motions	135	(14)
8.1 Properties of waves	135	(3)
8.2 Perturbation analysis	138	(2)
8.3 Planetary waves	140	(7)
Review questions	147	(2)
9 Extra-tropical weather systems	149	(16)
9.1 Fronts	149	(3)
9.2 Frontal cyclones	152	(9)
9.3 Baroclinic instability	161	(1)
Review questions	162	(3)
Part II Atmospheric phenomena	165	(100)
10 Boundary layers	167	(16)
10.1 Turbulence	168	(1)
10.2 Reynolds decomposition	169	(3)
10.3 Generation of turbulence	172	(1)
10.4 Closure assumptions	173	(8)
Review questions	181	(2)
11 Clouds and severe weather	183	(16)
11.1 Moist processes in the atmosphere	183	(8)
11.2 Air mass thunderstorms	191	(2)
11.3 Multi-cell thunderstorms	193	(1)
11.4 Supercell thunderstorms and tornadoes	194	(2)
11.5 Mesoscale convective systems	196	(1)
Review questions	197	(2)
12 Tropical weather	199	(10)
12.1 Scales of motion	199	(4)
12.2 Atmospheric oscillations	203	(2)
12.3 Tropical cyclones	205	(3)
Review questions	208	(1)
13 Mountain weather	209	(24)
13.1 Internal gravity waves	209	(8)
13.2 Flow over mountains	217	(9)
13.3 Downslope windstorms	226	(4)
Review questions	230	(3)
14 Polar weather	233	(18)
14.1 Katabatic winds	233	(9)
14.2 Barrier winds	242	(5)
14.3 Polar lows	247	(2)
Review questions	249	(2)
15 Epilogue: the general circulation	251	(14)
15.1 Fueled by the Sun	251	(2)
15.2 Radiative—convective equilibrium	253	(1)
15.3 The zonal mean circulation	254	(5)
15.4 The angular momentum budget	259	(2)
15.5 The energy cycle	261	(4)
Appendix A symbols	265	(6)
Appendix B constants and units	271	(2)
Bibliography	273	(4)
Index	277