Physics of the Atmosphere
- 1st Edition - October 26, 2026
- Latest edition
- Author: Francisco J. Tapiador
- Language: English
"Physics of the Atmosphere offers a rigorous, first-principles treatment of the Earth–atmosphere system, spanning the full spectrum from fundamental physical laws to weather system… Read more
Description
Description
"Physics of the Atmosphere offers a rigorous, first-principles treatment of the Earth–atmosphere system, spanning the full spectrum from fundamental physical laws to weather systems, climate dynamics, and practical applications. Designed both as an intermediate-to-advanced undergraduate textbook and as a reference for graduate students and researchers, the book systematically builds from mathematical tools, Newtonian mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum physics to the core processes of atmospheric structure, thermodynamics, dynamics, chemistry, radiation, boundary-layer physics, clouds, and the physics of climate. Then the book turns to weather systems and phenomena, which the book explains with physics in mind from the first page to the last. Fronts, cyclones, convection, and storms do not appear as objects to be catalogued, for the text derives their structure and behavior from the conservation laws, thermodynamics, and radiative principles introduced in the earlier parts. Each system emerges as a consequence of those principles, so readers learn why a phenomenon forms, how it evolves, and which physical balance controls it.
Complex concepts are explained with exceptional clarity through a concise narrative that prioritizes physical insight over pure formalism. Key equations are motivated and interpreted qualitatively, making the material accessible to readers entering the field from geography, computing, data science, or the natural sciences, while remaining sufficiently rigorous for physicists seeking a coherent consolidation of notation and principles specific to atmospheric science.
Diagrams and figures in full color, with extensive captions, illustrate every major idea. The text incorporates recent advances across meteorology and climatology and concludes with chapters on atmospheric measurement, numerical weather prediction, and climate modeling, together with appendices collecting advanced mathematics and the principal governing equations.
To support instructors, the author provides a complete set of lecture slides for every chapter, covering the entire book. Students and professionals at both advanced undergraduate and graduate levels will find this an invaluable resource for mastering the physical foundations of meteorology and climatology.”
Complex concepts are explained with exceptional clarity through a concise narrative that prioritizes physical insight over pure formalism. Key equations are motivated and interpreted qualitatively, making the material accessible to readers entering the field from geography, computing, data science, or the natural sciences, while remaining sufficiently rigorous for physicists seeking a coherent consolidation of notation and principles specific to atmospheric science.
Diagrams and figures in full color, with extensive captions, illustrate every major idea. The text incorporates recent advances across meteorology and climatology and concludes with chapters on atmospheric measurement, numerical weather prediction, and climate modeling, together with appendices collecting advanced mathematics and the principal governing equations.
To support instructors, the author provides a complete set of lecture slides for every chapter, covering the entire book. Students and professionals at both advanced undergraduate and graduate levels will find this an invaluable resource for mastering the physical foundations of meteorology and climatology.”
Key features
Key features
- Examines key concepts, laws, and equations used in atmospheric science at the professional level
- Offers an interdisciplinary approach, making the concepts and applications useful across not only meteorology and climatology, but also geography, natural science, computing, and data science
- Illustrates concepts with detailed, real-world case studies
Readership
Readership
Graduate students, post-grads, faculty, and researchers in atmospheric physics, meteorology, and climatology
Table of contents
Table of contents
About the author xi
Preface xiii
Acknowledgements xix
I Mathematical and physical foundations
1 Mathematics for atmospheric physics
1.1 Basic tools 3
1.2 Intermediate tools 9
1.3 Advanced techniques 27
Bibliography 40
2 Newtonian physics
2.1 Physical quantities 43
2.2 Kinematics 45
2.3 Dynamics 48
2.4 Rotational motion 51
2.5 Energy and work 54
2.6 Momentum and collisions 56
2.7 Gravitation 58
2.8 Fluids 60
2.9 The kinetic theory of gases 65
2.10 The laws of thermodynamics 69
2.11 Statistical physics 72
2.12 Harmonic motion and oscillations 75
2.13 Waves 78
2.14 Coordinates 83
Bibliography 88
3 Electromagnetism
3.1 Electric phenomena 89
3.2 Electrostatics 92
3.3 Maxwell’s laws 97
Bibliography 102
4 Quantum physics
4.1 Quantum theory in atmospheric physics 105
4.2 Molecular spectroscopy and atmospheric applications 108
4.3 Atmospheric photochemistry 110
4.4 Quantum statistics 115
4.5 Quantum remote sensing and quantum computation 117
Bibliography 118
II The core of atmospheric physics
5 The Earth system
5.1 Earth as a planet 123
5.2 The engine of the atmosphere: The Sun 125
5.3 The astronomical seasons 128
5.4 The cycles of the Earth system 130
5.5 Anthropogenic activities and feedbacks within the earth system 143
Bibliography 145
6 Atmospheric structure
6.1 The air 151
6.2 Atmospheric pressure 153
6.3 The vertical structure of the atmosphere 160
6.4 The layers of the atmosphere 161
6.5 Oxygen in the atmosphere 162
6.6 Trace gases and aerosols 164
6.7 The formation and evolution of the atmosphere 165
Bibliography 168
7 Thermodynamics of the atmosphere
7.1 Air parcels and state variables 169
7.2 Thermodynamics of dry air in the atmosphere 172
7.3 Thermodynamics of moist air in the atmosphere 184
7.4 Static stability 196
7.5 The Brunt-Väisälä frequency 197
Bibliography 200
8 Dynamics of the atmosphere
8.1 Symmetries and conservation laws 202
8.2 The scales of the atmosphere 202
8.3 The pressure field 204
8.4 The forces 205
8.5 Dynamics of horizontal flow 211
8.6 The wind 213
8.7 The primitive equations of the atmosphere 221
8.8 The general circulation of the atmosphere 228
Bibliography 236
9 Atmospheric chemistry
9.1 Atmospheric composition and chemistry 237
9.2 Chemical kinetics and photochemistry 241
9.3 Stratospheric ozone chemistry 243
9.4 Atmospheric aerosols 246
9.5 Heterogeneous chemistry and multiphase processes 250
9.6 Chemistry-climate interactions 252
9.7 Chemistry in physics 256
Bibliography 257
10 Electromagnetism in the atmosphere
10.1 The ionosphere 259
10.2 Electrical phenomena in the atmosphere 263
10.3 Electromagnetic radiation in the atmosphere 281
10.4 The radiative transfer equation 286
Bibliography 296
11 The boundary layer
11.1 The physics of the boundary layer 297
11.2 Wave propagation 302
11.3 Turbulence 303
11.4 Energy balance 306
11.5 Vertical structure and neutral stability 307
11.6 Diurnal evolution of the boundary layer structure 309
11.7 Boundary layer research 311
Bibliography 312
12 Cloud physics
12.1 The clouds 313
12.2 Nucleation 316
12.3 Cloud liquid water 321
12.4 Microphysics of warm clouds 321
12.5 Microphysics of cold clouds 324
12.6 Hydrometeors 325
Bibliography 342
13 Climate physics
13.1 Climate and chaos 344
13.2 Climate variability 345
13.3 Modes of internal variability 348
13.4 Natural forcings 364
13.5 Anthropogenic forcings 367
Bibliography 368
III Weather systems and atmospheric phenomena
14 Tropical systems
14.1 Tropical cyclones 374
14.2 Equatorial waves and tropical disturbances 385
14.3 Monsoons 394
14.4 Feedbacks in the tropics 403
Bibliography 406
15 Extratropical cyclones
15.1 Extratropical cyclones 408
15.2 Frontal systems 411
15.3 The conveyor belt model 417
15.4 The upper tropospheric flow 419
15.5 Physical processes 421
15.6 Cut-off lows 427
15.7 Nor’easters 430
Bibliography 433
16 Polar weather systems
16.1 The polar front 436
16.2 Polar high-pressure systems 438
16.3 The polar vortex 441
16.4 Polar lows 444
Bibliography 447
17 Mesoscale systems
17.1 Physical processes and scales 449
17.2 Mesoscale convective systems 450
17.3 Mesoscale convective complexes 452
17.4 Mesoscale convective vortices 455
17.5 Mesoscale convective lines 458
17.6 Supercells 467
Bibliography 469
18 Microscale phenomena
18.1 Microbursts 471
18.2 Physical processes in the microscale 474
18.3 Thermally driven breezes 475
18.4 Orographic phenomena 477
18.5 Thermals and buoyant plumes 481
18.6 Tornadoes 483
Bibliography 488
IV Observation, prediction, and application
19 Measuring the atmosphere
19.1 Physics as an experimental science 493
19.2 Barometers 495
19.3 Thermometers 496
19.4 Anemometers 497
19.5 Rain gauges 498
19.6 Disdrometers 499
19.7 Spectrophotometers 500
19.8 Lidar 501
19.9 Radiometers 502
19.10 Weather radar 503
19.11 Satellites 504
Bibliography 511
20 Weather forecasting
20.1 Weather maps 513
20.2 Numerical weather prediction models 519
20.3 Sensitivity to initial conditions and chaos 523
20.4 Analyzing forecasts 528
20.5 Weather services and operations 532
20.6 Weather modification 534
20.7 Aeronautical meteorology 537
20.8 New developments and future directions 541
Bibliography 543
21 Climate modeling
21.1 From weather to climate 545
21.2 Seasonal forecasting 546
21.3 Global climate models and earth system models 547
21.4 Regional climate models (RCMs) 551
21.5 Convection-permitting climate models 554
21.6 Statistical downscaling 555
21.7 Climate projections 557
21.8 Climate model evaluation 559
A final note 563
Bibliography 564
Appendix A
More advanced mathematics 567
Appendix B
Main equations in atmospheric physics 579
Index 597
Preface xiii
Acknowledgements xix
I Mathematical and physical foundations
1 Mathematics for atmospheric physics
1.1 Basic tools 3
1.2 Intermediate tools 9
1.3 Advanced techniques 27
Bibliography 40
2 Newtonian physics
2.1 Physical quantities 43
2.2 Kinematics 45
2.3 Dynamics 48
2.4 Rotational motion 51
2.5 Energy and work 54
2.6 Momentum and collisions 56
2.7 Gravitation 58
2.8 Fluids 60
2.9 The kinetic theory of gases 65
2.10 The laws of thermodynamics 69
2.11 Statistical physics 72
2.12 Harmonic motion and oscillations 75
2.13 Waves 78
2.14 Coordinates 83
Bibliography 88
3 Electromagnetism
3.1 Electric phenomena 89
3.2 Electrostatics 92
3.3 Maxwell’s laws 97
Bibliography 102
4 Quantum physics
4.1 Quantum theory in atmospheric physics 105
4.2 Molecular spectroscopy and atmospheric applications 108
4.3 Atmospheric photochemistry 110
4.4 Quantum statistics 115
4.5 Quantum remote sensing and quantum computation 117
Bibliography 118
II The core of atmospheric physics
5 The Earth system
5.1 Earth as a planet 123
5.2 The engine of the atmosphere: The Sun 125
5.3 The astronomical seasons 128
5.4 The cycles of the Earth system 130
5.5 Anthropogenic activities and feedbacks within the earth system 143
Bibliography 145
6 Atmospheric structure
6.1 The air 151
6.2 Atmospheric pressure 153
6.3 The vertical structure of the atmosphere 160
6.4 The layers of the atmosphere 161
6.5 Oxygen in the atmosphere 162
6.6 Trace gases and aerosols 164
6.7 The formation and evolution of the atmosphere 165
Bibliography 168
7 Thermodynamics of the atmosphere
7.1 Air parcels and state variables 169
7.2 Thermodynamics of dry air in the atmosphere 172
7.3 Thermodynamics of moist air in the atmosphere 184
7.4 Static stability 196
7.5 The Brunt-Väisälä frequency 197
Bibliography 200
8 Dynamics of the atmosphere
8.1 Symmetries and conservation laws 202
8.2 The scales of the atmosphere 202
8.3 The pressure field 204
8.4 The forces 205
8.5 Dynamics of horizontal flow 211
8.6 The wind 213
8.7 The primitive equations of the atmosphere 221
8.8 The general circulation of the atmosphere 228
Bibliography 236
9 Atmospheric chemistry
9.1 Atmospheric composition and chemistry 237
9.2 Chemical kinetics and photochemistry 241
9.3 Stratospheric ozone chemistry 243
9.4 Atmospheric aerosols 246
9.5 Heterogeneous chemistry and multiphase processes 250
9.6 Chemistry-climate interactions 252
9.7 Chemistry in physics 256
Bibliography 257
10 Electromagnetism in the atmosphere
10.1 The ionosphere 259
10.2 Electrical phenomena in the atmosphere 263
10.3 Electromagnetic radiation in the atmosphere 281
10.4 The radiative transfer equation 286
Bibliography 296
11 The boundary layer
11.1 The physics of the boundary layer 297
11.2 Wave propagation 302
11.3 Turbulence 303
11.4 Energy balance 306
11.5 Vertical structure and neutral stability 307
11.6 Diurnal evolution of the boundary layer structure 309
11.7 Boundary layer research 311
Bibliography 312
12 Cloud physics
12.1 The clouds 313
12.2 Nucleation 316
12.3 Cloud liquid water 321
12.4 Microphysics of warm clouds 321
12.5 Microphysics of cold clouds 324
12.6 Hydrometeors 325
Bibliography 342
13 Climate physics
13.1 Climate and chaos 344
13.2 Climate variability 345
13.3 Modes of internal variability 348
13.4 Natural forcings 364
13.5 Anthropogenic forcings 367
Bibliography 368
III Weather systems and atmospheric phenomena
14 Tropical systems
14.1 Tropical cyclones 374
14.2 Equatorial waves and tropical disturbances 385
14.3 Monsoons 394
14.4 Feedbacks in the tropics 403
Bibliography 406
15 Extratropical cyclones
15.1 Extratropical cyclones 408
15.2 Frontal systems 411
15.3 The conveyor belt model 417
15.4 The upper tropospheric flow 419
15.5 Physical processes 421
15.6 Cut-off lows 427
15.7 Nor’easters 430
Bibliography 433
16 Polar weather systems
16.1 The polar front 436
16.2 Polar high-pressure systems 438
16.3 The polar vortex 441
16.4 Polar lows 444
Bibliography 447
17 Mesoscale systems
17.1 Physical processes and scales 449
17.2 Mesoscale convective systems 450
17.3 Mesoscale convective complexes 452
17.4 Mesoscale convective vortices 455
17.5 Mesoscale convective lines 458
17.6 Supercells 467
Bibliography 469
18 Microscale phenomena
18.1 Microbursts 471
18.2 Physical processes in the microscale 474
18.3 Thermally driven breezes 475
18.4 Orographic phenomena 477
18.5 Thermals and buoyant plumes 481
18.6 Tornadoes 483
Bibliography 488
IV Observation, prediction, and application
19 Measuring the atmosphere
19.1 Physics as an experimental science 493
19.2 Barometers 495
19.3 Thermometers 496
19.4 Anemometers 497
19.5 Rain gauges 498
19.6 Disdrometers 499
19.7 Spectrophotometers 500
19.8 Lidar 501
19.9 Radiometers 502
19.10 Weather radar 503
19.11 Satellites 504
Bibliography 511
20 Weather forecasting
20.1 Weather maps 513
20.2 Numerical weather prediction models 519
20.3 Sensitivity to initial conditions and chaos 523
20.4 Analyzing forecasts 528
20.5 Weather services and operations 532
20.6 Weather modification 534
20.7 Aeronautical meteorology 537
20.8 New developments and future directions 541
Bibliography 543
21 Climate modeling
21.1 From weather to climate 545
21.2 Seasonal forecasting 546
21.3 Global climate models and earth system models 547
21.4 Regional climate models (RCMs) 551
21.5 Convection-permitting climate models 554
21.6 Statistical downscaling 555
21.7 Climate projections 557
21.8 Climate model evaluation 559
A final note 563
Bibliography 564
Appendix A
More advanced mathematics 567
Appendix B
Main equations in atmospheric physics 579
Index 597
Product details
Product details
- Edition: 1
- Latest edition
- Published: October 26, 2026
- Language: English
About the author
About the author
Francisco J. Tapiador
Author
Francisco J. Tapiador is Full Professor of Physics. PhD in Atmospheric Physics, he has been a visiting scholar at the universities of Cambridge, Mannheim, Paris, Oklahoma, Colorado and at JPL (NASA/Caltech). He was a research fellow at the University of Birmingham. He has been a member of the international science team of the NASA GPM mission since 2009 and of the Pieonchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games science team. Vice-President of the Specialized Group of Physics of the Atmosphere and Ocean of the Royal Spanish Society of Physics (RSEF), he has been dean for nine years of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Biochemistry of the University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), where he teaches Physics, Atmospheric Physics and Climate Change. He has also been a member of the commission that designed the Physics Degree of the UCLM. His research focuses on precipitation and clouds using observations, satellites and models.
Affiliations and expertise
ICAM, UCLM, Avda. Carlos III s/n University of Castilla-La Mancha, SpainView book on ScienceDirect
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