Mesoscale-Convective Processes in the Atmosphere

Modern, accessible treatment of observations, prediction and dynamical evolution of thunderstorms and mesoscale phenomena, for advanced students, researchers and professionals.

Robert J. Trapp (Author)

9780521889421, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 25 March 2013

377 pages, 147 b/w illus. 32 colour illus. 5 tables 27 exercises
26 x 18.3 x 2.2 cm, 0.97 kg

'In this book Robert J. Trapp has put together a great amount of knowledge along with very interesting material. The word that best describes it is 'useful' … there is a good balance in the use of historical and current research, citing books and papers published recently and decades ago. Moreover, there are many quotes to back up the contents but at the same time the reader does not need to check the references continuously. Also most of the equations are derived and explained step by step … Therefore, this book is highly recommendable. I think that it can be useful for a wide variety of readers: for students at several levels, teachers, as a basic text for the shelves of researchers.' Juan Añel, Contemporary Physics

This new textbook seeks to promote a deep yet accessible understanding of mesoscale-convective processes in the atmosphere. Mesoscale-convective processes are commonly manifested in the form of thunderstorms, which are fast evolving, inherently hazardous, and can assume a broad range of sizes and severity. Modern explanations of the convective-storm dynamics, and of the related development of tornadoes, damaging 'straight-line' winds and heavy rainfall, are provided. Students and weather professionals will benefit especially from unique chapters devoted to observations and measurements of mesoscale phenomena, mesoscale prediction and predictability, and dynamical feedbacks between mesoscale-convective processes and larger-scale motions.

1. The atmospheric mesoscale
2. Theoretical foundations
3. Observations and mesoscale data analysis
4. Mesoscale numerical modeling
5. The initiation of deep convective clouds
6. Elemental convective processes
7. Supercells: a special class of long-lived rotating convective storms
8. Mesoscale convective systems
9. Interactions and feedbacks
10. Mesoscale predictability and prediction.

Subject Areas: The environment [RN], Earth sciences [RB], Earth sciences, geography, environment, planning [R]