Applied Atmospheric Dynamics

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

• ISBN13: 9780470861738
• ISBN10: 0470861738
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• 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 theoretical 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 ScienceA Solutions Manual is also available for this textbook on the Instructor Companion Site www.wileyeurope.com/college/lynch

Author Biography

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

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
Anatomy of a cyclone	p. 1
Anatomy of a cyclone	p. 3
A 'typical' extra-tropical cyclone	p. 3
Describing the atmosphere	p. 4
Air masses and fronts	p. 9
The structure of a typical extra-tropical cyclone	p. 14
Review questions	p. 20
Mathematical methods in fluid dynamics	p. 23
Scalars and vectors	p. 23
The algebra of vectors	p. 23
Scalar and vector fields	p. 27
Coordinate systems on the Earth	p. 27
Gradients of vectors	p. 28
Line and surface integrals	p. 31
Eulerian and Lagrangian frames of reference	p. 34
Advection	p. 35
Review questions	p. 38
Properties of fluids	p. 41
Solids, liquids, and gases	p. 41
Thermodynamic properties of air	p. 42
Composition of the atmosphere	p. 43
Static stability	p. 46
The continuum hypothesis	p. 50
Practical assumptions	p. 50
Continuity equation	p. 51
Review questions	p. 53
Fundamental forces	p. 57
Newton's second law: F = ma	p. 57
Body, surface, and line forces	p. 57
Forces in an inertial reference frame	p. 58
Forces in a rotating reference frame	p. 66
The Navier-Stokes equations	p. 72
Review questions	p. 74
Scale analysis	p. 79
Dimensional homogeneity	p. 79
Scales	p. 80
Non-dimensional parameters	p. 80
Scale analysis	p. 84
The geostrophic approximation	p. 87
Review questions	p. 91
Simple steady motion	p. 93
Natural coordinate system	p. 93
Balanced flow	p. 95
The Boussinesq approximation	p. 104
The thermal wind	p. 105
Departures from balance	p. 108
Review questions	p. 114
Circulation and vorticity	p. 119
Circulation	p. 119
Vorticity	p. 124
Conservation of potential vorticity	p. 126
An introduction to the vorticity equation	p. 130
Review questions	p. 132
Simple wave motions	p. 135
Properties of waves	p. 135
Perturbation analysis	p. 138
Planetary waves	p. 140
Review questions	p. 147
Extra-tropical weather systems	p. 149
Fronts	p. 149
Frontal cyclones	p. 152
Baroclinic instability	p. 161
Review questions	p. 162
Atmospheric phenomena	p. 165
Boundary layers	p. 167
Turbulence	p. 168
Reynolds decomposition	p. 169
Generation of turbulence	p. 172
Closure assumptions	p. 173
Review questions	p. 181
Clouds and severe weather	p. 183
Moist processes in the atmosphere	p. 183
Air mass thunderstorms	p. 191
Multi-cell thunderstorms	p. 193
Supercell thunderstorms and tornadoes	p. 194
Mesoscale convective systems	p. 196
Review questions	p. 197
Tropical weather	p. 199
Scales of motion	p. 199
Atmospheric oscillations	p. 203
Tropical cyclones	p. 205
Review questions	p. 208
Mountain weather	p. 209
Internal gravity waves	p. 209
Flow over mountains	p. 217
Downslope windstorms	p. 226
Review questions	p. 230
Polar weather	p. 233
Katabatic winds	p. 233
Barrier winds	p. 242
Polar lows	p. 247
Review questions	p. 249
Epilogue: the general circulation	p. 251
Fueled by the Sun	p. 251
Radiative-convective equilibrium	p. 253
The zonal mean circulation	p. 254
The angular momentum budget	p. 259
The energy cycle	p. 261
Symbols	p. 265
Constants and units	p. 271
Bibliography	p. 273
Index	p. 277
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