Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Microphysics of Clouds

This book advances understanding of cloud microphysics and provides a unified theoretical foundation for modeling cloud processes, for researchers and advanced students.

Vitaly I. Khvorostyanov (Author), Judith A. Curry (Author)

9781107016033, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 25 August 2014

800 pages, 164 b/w illus.
26 x 18.2 x 3.4 cm, 1.4 kg

'I highly recommend Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Microphysics of Clouds for atmospheric science professionals and advanced students. Its combination of analytical rigor, up-to-date references, and equations adapted for modeling applications makes it a valuable resource for modelers and experimentalists in cloud physics and climate research. This important work will also challenge readers with its novel approach to the field and provide a fresh perspective that they have likely not encountered.' Nathan Magee, Physics Today

Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Microphysics of Clouds presents a unified theoretical foundation that provides the basis for incorporating cloud microphysical processes in cloud and climate models. In particular, the book provides: • A theoretical basis for understanding the processes of cloud particle formation, evolution and precipitation, with emphasis on spectral cloud microphysics based on numerical and analytical solutions of the kinetic equations for the drop and crystal size spectra along with the supersaturation equation • The latest detailed theories and parameterizations of drop and crystal nucleation suitable for cloud and climate models derived from the general principles of thermodynamics and kinetics • A platform for advanced parameterization of clouds in weather prediction and climate models • The scientific foundation for weather and climate modification by cloud seeding. This book will be invaluable for researchers and advanced students engaged in cloud and aerosol physics, and air pollution and climate research.

1. Introduction
2. Clouds and their properties
3. Thermodynamic relations
4. Properties of water and aqueous solutions
5. Diffusion and coagulation growth of drops and crystals
6. Wet aerosol process
7. Activation of cloud condensation nuclei into cloud drops
8. Homogeneous nucleation
9. Heterogeneous nucleation of drops and ice crystals
10. Parameterizations of heterogeneous ice nucleation
11. Deliquescence and efflorescence in atmospheric aerosols
12. Terminal velocities of drops and crystals
13. Broad size spectra in clouds and theory of stochastic condensation
14. Analytical solutions to the stochastic kinetic equation.

Subject Areas: Mechanics of fluids [TGMF], Meteorology & climatology [RBP], Earth sciences, geography, environment, planning [R], Chemistry [PN], Atmospheric physics [PHVJ], Fluid mechanics [PHDF]