Introduction to Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
Physical and Numerical Aspects

Benoit Cushman-Roisin (Author), Jean-Marie Beckers (Author)

9780120887590, Elsevier Science

Hardback, published 12 October 2011

875 pages
22.9 x 15.1 x 4.3 cm, 1.23 kg

"...clear, informative, and ambitious...a unique and well-respected approach to dynamic meteorology and physical oceanography...I would recommend this book to advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and others for self-study or reference." --Pure and Applied Geophysics

"...clear, informative, and ambitious...a unique and well-respected approach to dynamic meteorology and physical oceanography...I would recommend this book to advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and others for self-study or reference." --Pure and Applied Geophysics

"This book…is one of the best books introducing the subject matter. The physics underlying the different phenomena of interest to geophysical fluid dynamics is concisely explained…Several problems, questions and exercises are given at the end of each chapter. I highly recommend this to undergraduate students, however, graduate students will also benefit from the material presented." --Contemporary Physics, January 29, 2013

"Introduction to Geophysical Fluid Dynamics is one of the best books introducing the subject matter. The physics underlying the different phenomena of interest to geophysical fluid dynamics is concisely explained…I highly recommend this to undergraduate students, however, graduate students will also benefit from the material presented." --Contemporary Physics, Volume 54, Issue 1

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.

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
B: Wave Kinematics
C: Recapitulation of Numerical Schemes

Subject Areas: Geophysics [PHVG], Fluid mechanics [PHDF]