Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate Dynamics (eBook)

Front Cover 1
An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology 4
Copyright Page 5
Contents 6
Preface 10
Preface to First Edition 12
Chapter 1. Introduction 16
1.1 The Atmospheric Continuum 16
1.2 Physical Dimensions and Units 17
1.3 Scale Analysis 19
1.4 The Fundamental Forces 20
1.5 Noninertial Reference Frames and"Apparent" Forces 25
1.6 Structure of the Static Atmosphere 32
Problems 37
Suggested References 40
Chapter 2. The Basic Conservation Laws 41
2.1 Total Differentiation 42
2.2 The Vectorial Form of the Momentum Equation in Rotating Coordinates 44
2.3 The Component Equations in Spherical Coordinates 46
2.4 Scale Analysis of the Equations of Motion 50
2.5 The Continuity Equation 55
2.6 The Thermodynamic Energy Equation 59
2.7 Thermodynamics of the Dry Atmosphere 62
Problems 67
Suggested References 68
Chapter 3. Elementary Applications of the Basic Equations 69
3.1 The Basic Equations in Isobaric Coordinates 69
3.2 Balanced Flow 71
3.3 Trajectories and Streamlines 79
3.4 Vertical Shear of the Geostrophic Wind: The Thermal Wind 83
3.5 Vertical Motion 86
Problems 89
Chapter 4. Circulation and Vorticity 93
4.2 Vorticity 98
4.3 Potential Vorticity 102
4.4 The Vorticity Equation 107
4.5 Scale Analysis of the Vorticity Equation 110
Problems 113
Suggested References 115
Chapter 5. The Planetary Boundary Layer 116
5.1 The Mixing Length Theory 117
5.2 Planetary Boundary Layer Equations 120
5.3 Secondary Circulations and Spin-Down 127
Problems 131
Suggested References 133
Chapter 6. The Dynamics of Synoptic Scale Motions in Middle Latitudes 134
6.1 The Observed Structure of Midlatitude Synoptic Systems 135
6.2 Development of the Quasi-Geostrophic System 141
6.3 Idealized Model of a Developing Baroclinic System 155
Problems 159
Suggested Reference 160
Chapter 7. Atmospheric Oscillations: Linear Perturbation Theory 161
7.1 The Perturbation Method 162
7.2 Properties of Waves 162
7.3 Simple Wave Types 167
7.4 Internal Gravity (Buoyancy) Waves 174
7.5 Rossby Waves 180
Problems 183
Suggested References 187
Chapter 8. Numerical Prediction 188
8.1 Historical Background 188
8.2 Filtering of Sound and Gravity Waves 190
8.3 Filtered Forecast Equations 193
8.4 One-Parameter Models 196
8.5 A Two-Parameter Model 198
8.6 Numerical Solution of the Barotropic Vorticity Equation 201
8.7 Primitive Equation Models 213
Problems 226
Suggested References 228
Chapter 9. The Development and Motion of Midlatitude Synoptic Systems 229
9.1 Hydrodynamic Instability 229
9.2 Baroclinic Instability: Cyclogenesis 231
9.3 The Energetics of Baroclinic Waves 242
9.4 Fronts and Frontogenesis 251
Problems 259
Suggested References 261
Chapter 10. The General Circulation 262
10.1 The Nature of the Problem 263
10.2 The Energy Cycle: A Quasi-Geostrophic Model 265
10.3 The Momentum Budget 275
10.4 The Dynamics of Zonally Symmetric Circulations 282
10.5 Laboratory Simulation of the General Circulation 289
10.6 Numerical Simulation of the General Circulation 296
10.7 Longitudinally Varying Features of the General Circulation 303
Problems 308
Suggested References 309
Chapter 11. Stratospheric Dynamics 310
11.1 The Observed Mean Structure and Circulation of the Stratosphere 311
11.2 The Energetics of the Lower Stratosphere 313
11.3 Vertically Propagating Planetary Waves 315
11.4 Sudden Stratospheric Warmings 318
11.5 Waves in the Equatorial Stratosphere 322
11.6 The Quasi-Biennial Oscillation 328
11.7 The Ozone Layer 332
Problems 336
Suggested References 337
Chapter 12. Tropical Motion Systems 338
12.1 Scale Analysis of Tropical Motions 339
12.2 Cumulus Convection 345
12.3 The Observed Structure of Large-Scale Motions in the Equatorial Zone 358
12.4 The Origin of Equatorial Disturbances 366
12.5 Tropical Cyclones 372
Problems 375
Suggested References 376
Appendix A. Useful Constants and Parameters 378
Appendix B. List of Symbols 379
Appendix C. Vector Analysis 383
Appendix D. The Equivalent Potential Temperature 386
Appendix E. Standard Atmosphere Data 388
Answers to Selected Problems 390
Bibliography 394
Index 398
InternationaI Geophysics Series 408