Essentials of Atmospheric and Oceanic Dynamics

A concise introduction to atmosphere-ocean dynamics at the intermediate-advanced undergraduate level, taking the reader from basic dynamics to cutting-edge topics.

Geoffrey K. Vallis (Author)

9781107692794, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 24 January 2019

366 pages, 129 b/w illus.
24.6 x 18.9 x 1.7 cm, 0.88 kg

'… fills an important niche by offering an articulate and authoritative textbook to be worked through by advanced undergraduates and/or entering graduate students taking courses. The inclusion of exercises … is incredibly valuable for both students and teachers clamoring for more problem sets to test understanding … and offers a pedagogical entree for those wishing to test the waters,  including some deep waters. I will … make use of them for personal study and to support the teaching of geophysical fluid dynamics. Vallis has a clear writing style that brings the reader into the subject in an authoritative and friendly manner. He is a wise guru and gentle tutor. The subject of ocean and atmosphere fluid mechanics has matured greatly through his efforts at writing Atmospheric and Oceanic Dynamics Fluid [Vallis' previous book].  Essentials furthers that maturation by allowing for a broader readership to tap into his brain. Well done Geoffrey!' Stephen M. Griffies, Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Lab, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

This is a modern, introductory textbook on the dynamics of the atmosphere and ocean, with a healthy dose of geophysical fluid dynamics. It will be invaluable for intermediate to advanced undergraduate and graduate students in meteorology, oceanography, mathematics, and physics. It is unique in taking the reader from very basic concepts to the forefront of research. It also forms an excellent refresher for researchers in atmospheric science and oceanography. It differs from other books at this level in both style and content: as well as very basic material it includes some elementary introductions to more advanced topics. The advanced sections can easily be omitted for a more introductory course, as they are clearly marked in the text. Readers who wish to explore these topics in more detail can refer to this book's parent, Atmospheric and Oceanic Fluid Dynamics: Fundamentals and Large-Scale Circulation, now in its second edition.

Part I. Geophysical Fluid Dynamics: 1. Fluid fundamentals
2. Equations for a rotating planet
3. Dynamics on a rotating planet
4. Shallow water equations
5. Geostrophic theory
6. Rossby waves
7. Gravity waves
8. Instability
9. Waves and mean-flows
10. Turbulence
Part II. Atmospheres: 11. The Hadley cell and the tropics
12. Midlatitudes and the stratosphere
13. Planetary atmospheres
Part III. Oceans: 14. Wind-driven gyres
15. The thermocline and overturning circulation
16. The equatorial ocean and El Niño
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Aerospace & aviation technology [TRP], Mechanics of solids [TGMD], Meteorology & climatology [RBP], Oceanography [seas RBKC], Earth sciences [RB]