Synopses & Reviews
This book provides an introductory-level exploration of geophysical fluid dynamics (GFD), the principles governing air and water flows on large terrestrial scales. Physical principles are illustrated with the aid of the simplest existing models, and the computer methods are shown in juxtaposition with the equations to which they apply. It explores contemporary topics of climate dynamics and equatorial dynamics including the Greenhouse Effect, global warming, and the El Nino Southern Oscillation.
- Combines both physical and numerical aspects of geophysical fluid dynamics into a single affordable volume
- Explores contemporary topics such as the Greenhouse Effect, global warming and the El Nino Southern Oscillation
- Biographical and historical notes at the ends of chapters trace the intellectual development of the field
- Recipient of the 2010 Wernaers Prize, awarded each year by the National Fund for Scientific Research of Belgium (FNR-FNRS).
Synopsis
Introduction to Geophysical Fluid Dynamics provides an introductory-level exploration of geophysical fluid dynamics (GFD), the principles governing air and water flows on large terrestrial scales. Physical principles are illustrated with the aid of the simplest existing models, and the computer methods are shown in juxtaposition with the equations to which they apply. It explores contemporary topics of climate dynamics and equatorial dynamics, including the Greenhouse Effect, global warming, and the El Nino Southern Oscillation.
- Combines both physical and numerical aspects of geophysical fluid dynamics into a single affordable volume
- Explores contemporary topics such as the Greenhouse Effect, global warming and the El Nino Southern Oscillation
- Biographical and historical notes at the ends of chapters trace the intellectual development of the field
- Recipient of the 2010 Wernaers Prize, awarded each year by the National Fund for Scientific Research of Belgium (FNR-FNRS).
Table of Contents
I Fundamentals 1 Introduction
2 The Coriolis Force
3 Equations of Fluid Motion
4 Equations Governing Geophysical Flows
5 Diffusive Processes
6 Transport and Fate
II Rotation Effects
7 Geostrophic Flows and Vorticity Dynamics
8 Ekman layer
9 Barotropic Waves
10 Barotropic Instability
III Stratification Effects
11 Stratification
12 Layered Models
13 Internal Waves
14 Turbulence in Stratified Fluids
IV Combined Rotation and Stratification Effects
15 Dynamics of Stratified Rotating Flows
16 Quasi-Geostrophic Dynamics
17 Instabilities of Rotating Stratified Flows
18 Fronts, Jets and Vortices
V Special Topics
19 Atmospheric General Circulation
20 Oceanic General Circulation
21 Equatorial Dynamics
22 Data Assimilation
VI Web-site information
Appendix A: Elements of Fluid Mechanics
Appendix B: Wave Kinematics
Appendix C: Recapitulation of Numerical Schemes
References
CD-ROM