An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology
- 2nd Edition - October 28, 1979
- Latest edition
- Author: J.R. Holton
- Editor: Anton L. Hales
- Language: English
An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology, Second Edition deals with rapid advances in the science of dynamic meteorology. This book presents dynamic meteorology as a cohesive subject… Read more
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An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology, Second Edition deals with rapid advances in the science of dynamic meteorology. This book presents dynamic meteorology as a cohesive subject with a central unifying body of theory, namely, the quasi-geostrophic system. Topics range from the basic conservation laws to circulation and vorticity, planetary boundary layer, synoptic scale motions in middle latitudes, atmospheric oscillations, midlatitude synoptic systems, dynamics of the stratosphere, and tropical motions. This volume is comprised of 12 chapters and begins with a discussion on the fundamental fluid dynamics necessary for understanding large-scale atmospheric motions, including expanded treatments of atmospheric thermodynamics and of the planetary boundary layer. The reader is then introduced to the basics of modern dynamical meteorology, including the stratospheric dynamics. The energetics of the lower stratosphere, vertically propagating planetary waves, the quasi-biennial oscillation, and the ozone layer are considered. The final chapter reviews the dynamics of the tropical atmosphere, with emphasis on large-scale motions in the equatorial zone, the origin of equatorial disturbances, and tropical cyclones. A number of additional problems that span a wide range in difficulty are included, and answers to selected problems are provided. Throughout the book, the emphasis is on physical principles rather than mathematical elegance. Some use is made of vector calculus. This book is a valuable resource for meteorologists and those working in the field of atmospheric sciences.
Preface
Preface to First Edition
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 The Atmospheric Continuum
1.2 Physical Dimensions and Units
1.3 Scale Analysis
1.4 The Fundamental Forces
1.5 Noninertial Reference Frames and "Apparent" Forces
1.6 Structure of the Static Atmosphere
Problems
Suggested References
Chapter 2 The Basic Conservation Laws
2.1 Total Differentiation
2.2 The Vectorial Form of the Momentum Equation in Rotating Coordinates
2.3 The Component Equations in Spherical Coordinates
2.4 Scale Analysis of the Equations of Motion
2.5 The Continuity Equation
2.6 The Thermodynamic Energy Equation
2.7 Thermodynamics of the Dry Atmosphere
Problems
Suggested References
Chapter 3 Elementary Applications of the Basic Equations
3.1 The Basic Equations in Isobaric Coordinates
3.2 Balanced Flow
3.3 Trajectories and Streamlines
3.4 Vertical Shear of the Geostrophic Wind: The Thermal Wind
3.5 Vertical Motion
Problems
Chapter 4 Circulation and Vorticity
4.1 The Circulation Theorem
4.2 Vorticity
4.3 Potential Vorticity
4.4 The Vorticity Equation
4.5 Scale Analysis of the Vorticity Equation
Problems
Suggested References
Chapter 5 The Planetary Boundary Layer
5.1 The Mixing Length Theory
5.2 Planetary Boundary Layer Equations
5.3 Secondary Circulations and Spin-Down
Problems
Suggested References
Chapter 6 The Dynamics of Synoptic Scale Motions in Middle Latitudes
6.1 The Observed Structure of Midlatitude Synoptic Systems
6.2 Development of the Quasi-Geostrophic System
6.3 Idealized Model of a Developing Baroclinic System
Problems
Suggested Reference
Chapter 7 Atmospheric Oscillations: Linear Perturbation Theory
7.1 The Perturbation Method
7.2 Properties of Waves
7.3 Simple Wave Types
7.4 Internal Gravity (Buoyancy) Waves
7.5 Rossby Waves
Problems
Suggested References
Chapter 8 Numerical Prediction
8.1 Historical Background
8.2 Filtering of Sound and Gravity Waves
8.3 Filtered Forecast Equations
8.4 One-Parameter Models
8.5 A Two-Parameter Model
8.6 Numerical Solution of the Barotropic Vorticity Equation
8.7 Primitive Equation Models
Problems
Suggested References
Chapter 9 The Development and Motion of Midlatitude Synoptic Systems
9.1 Hydrodynamic Instability
9.2 Baroclinic Instability: Cyclogenesis
9.3 The Energetics of Baroclinic Waves
9.4 Fronts and Frontogenesis
Problems
Suggested References
Chapter 10 The General Circulation
10.1 The Nature of the Problem
10.2 The Energy Cycle: A Quasi-Geostrophic Model
10.3 The Momentum Budget
10.4 The Dynamics of Zonally Symmetric Circulations
10.5 Laboratory Simulation of the General Circulation
10.6 Numerical Simulation of the General Circulation
10.7 Longitudinally Varying Features of the General Circulation
Problems
Suggested References
Chapter 11 Stratospheric Dynamics
11.1 The Observed Mean Structure and Circulation of the Stratosphere
11.2 The Energetics of the Lower Stratosphere
11.3 Vertically Propagating Planetary Waves
11.4 Sudden Stratospheric Warmings
11.5 Waves in the Equatorial Stratosphere
11.6 The Quasi-Biennial Oscillation
11.7 The Ozone Layer
Problems
Suggested References
Chapter 12 Tropical Motion Systems
12.1 Scale Analysis of Tropical Motions
12.2 Cumulus Convection
12.3 The Observed Structure of Large-Scale Motions in the Equatorial Zone
12.4 The Origin of Equatorial Disturbances
12.5 Tropical Cyclones
Problems
Suggested References
Appendix A Useful Constants and Parameters
Appendix B List of Symbols
Appendix C Vector Analysis
Appendix D The Equivalent Potential Temperature
Appendix E Standard Atmosphere Data
Answers to Selected Problems
Bibliography
Index
- Edition: 2
- Latest edition
- Published: October 28, 1979
- Language: English