Physics and Dynamics of Clouds and Precipitation

by Wang, Pao K.

• ISBN13: 9781107005563
• ISBN10: 1107005566
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2013-04-22
• Publisher: Cambridge Univ Pr

Summary

This key new textbook provides a state-of-the-art view of the physics of cloud and precipitation formation, covering the most important topics in the field: the microphysics, thermodynamics and cloud-scale dynamics. Highlights include: the condensation process explained with new insights from chemical physics studies; the impact of the particle curvature (the Kelvin equation) and solute effect (the Köhler equation); homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation from recent molecular dynamic simulations; and the hydrodynamics of falling hydrometeors and their impact on collision growth. 3D cloud-model simulations demonstrate the dynamics and microphysics of deep convective clouds and cirrus formation, and each chapter contains problems enabling students to review and implement their new learning. Packed with detailed mathematical derivations and cutting-edge stereographic illustrations, this is an ideal text for graduate and advanced undergraduate courses, and also serves as a reference for academic researchers and professionals working in atmospheric science, meteorology, climatology, remote sensing and environmental science.

Table of Contents

Preface

Observation of clouds

The shape and size of cloud and precipitation particles

Molecular structures of water substance

Bulk thermodynamic equilibrium among water vapor, liquid water, and ice

Surface thermodynamics of water substance

Aerosol in the atmosphere

Nucleation

Hydrodynamics of cloud and precipitation particles

Diffusion growth and evaporation of cloud and precipitation particles

Collision, coalescence, break-up and melting

Cloud drop population dynamics in warm rain process

Fundamental cloud dynamics

Numerical cloud models

Cloud electricity

Clouds-environment interaction

References

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.