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Books > Science & Mathematics > Physics > Applied physics & special topics > Atmospheric physics
The Physics of Plasmas provides a comprehensive introduction to the subject, illustrating the basic theory with examples drawn from fusion, space and astrophysical plasmas. Various aspects of plasma physics are discussed, beginning with particle orbit theory, and including fluid equations, a variety of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) models, wave equations and kinetic theory. The relationships between these distinct approaches are discussed. In this way, the reader gains a firm grounding in the fundamentals, leading to an understanding of some of the more specialized topics. Throughout the text, there is an emphasis on the physical interpretation of plasma phenomena; Exercises are included.
This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the history and science of major air pollution issues. It begins with an introduction to the basic atmospheric chemistry and the history of discovery of chemicals in the atmosphere, and then moves on to a discussion of the evolution of the earth's atmosphere, and the structure and composition of the present-day atmosphere. It also offers a comprehensive and accessible discussion of the five major atmospheric pollution topics: urban outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution, acid deposition, stratospheric ozone reduction, and global climate change.
In the third edition of The Physics of Atmospheres, John Houghton has revised his acclaimed textbook to bring it completely up-to-date. The book provides a comprehensive concise description of the physical processes governing the structure and the circulation of the atmosphere. New chapters have been introduced on topics of strong contemporary interest such as chaos and predictability and climate change. The chapters on global observations (especially through remote sensing) and numerical modeling have also been substantially extended.
This volume presents a full mathematical exposition of the growing field of coronal seismology which will prove invaluable for graduate students and researchers alike. Roberts' detailed and original research draws upon the principles of fluid mechanics and electromagnetism, as well as observations from the TRACE and SDO spacecraft and key results in solar wave theory. The unique challenges posed by the extreme conditions of the Sun's atmosphere, which often frustrate attempts to develop a comprehensive theory, are tackled with rigour and precision; complex models of sunspots, coronal loops and prominences are presented, based on a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) view of the solar atmosphere, and making use of Faraday's concept of magnetic flux tubes to analyse oscillatory phenomena. The rapid rate of progress in coronal seismology makes this essential reading for those hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the field.
Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry reviews in ten concise chapters the chemistry of the Earth's atmosphere and some outstanding environmental issues, including air pollution, acid rain, the ozone hole, and global change. Peter Hobbs is an eminent atmospheric science teacher, researcher, and author of several well-known textbooks. This text and his other book Basic Physical Chemistry for the Atmospheric Sciences (Second Edition, Cambridge University Press 2000) form companion volumes. The book, designed to be a primary textbook for a first university course--undergraduate or graduate--in atmospheric chemistry, will find a place in atmospheric science, meteorology, environmental science, geophysics and chemistry curricula. Special features include worked exercises and end-of-chapter student exercises with model solutions in an appendix.
Updated and revised, this highly successful text details the basic chemical principles required for modern studies of atmospheres, oceans, and Earth and planetary systems. This completely accessible introduction allows undergraduate and graduate students with little formal training in chemistry to grasp such fundamental concepts as chemical equilibria, chemical thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, solution chemistry, acid and base chemistry, oxidation-reduction reactions, and photochemistry. In the companion volume Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry (also to be published in May 2000), Peter Hobbs details atmospheric chemistry itself, including its applications to air pollution, acid rain, the ozone hole, and climate change. Together these two books offer an ideal introduction to atmospheric chemistry for a variety of disciplines.
The seismic ambient field allows us to study interactions between the atmosphere, the oceans and the solid Earth. The theoretical understanding of seismic ambient noise has improved substantially in the last decades, and the number of its applications has increased dramatically. With chapters written by eminent scientists from the field, this book covers a range of topics including ambient noise observations, generation models of their physical origins, numerical modelling and processing methods. The later chapters focus on applications in imaging and monitoring the internal structure of the Earth, including interferometry for time-dependant imaging and tomography. This volume thus provides a comprehensive overview of this cutting-edge discipline for graduate students studying geophysics and for scientists working in seismology and other imaging sciences.
Time-series analysis is used to identify and quantify periodic features in datasets and has many applications across the geosciences, from analysing weather data, to solid-Earth geophysical modelling. This intuitive introduction provides a practical 'how-to' guide to basic Fourier theory, with a particular focus on Earth system applications. The book starts with a discussion of statistical correlation, before introducing Fourier series and building to the fast Fourier transform (FFT) and related periodogram techniques. The theory is illustrated with numerous worked examples using R datasets, from Milankovitch orbital-forcing cycles to tidal harmonics and exoplanet orbital periods. These examples highlight the key concepts and encourage readers to investigate more advanced time-series techniques. The book concludes with a consideration of statistical effect size and significance. This useful book is ideal for graduate students and researchers in the Earth system sciences who are looking for an accessible introduction to time-series analysis.
The book begins with three introductory chapters that provide some basic physics and explain the principles of physical investigation. The principal material contained in the main part of the book covers the neutral and ionized upper atmosphere, the magnetosphere, and structures, dynamics, disturbances, and irregularities. The concluding chapter deals with technological applications. The account is introductory, at a level suitable for readers with a basic background in engineering or physics. The intent is to present basic concepts, and for that reason, the mathematical treatment is not complex. SI units are given throughout, with helpful notes on cgs units where these are likely to be encountered in the research literature. This book is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students who are taking introductory courses on upper atmospheric, ionospheric, or magnetospheric physics. This is a successor to The Upper Atmosphere and Solar-Terrestrial Relations, published in 1979.
Downscaling is a widely used technique for translating information from large-scale climate models to the spatial and temporal scales needed to assess local and regional climate impacts, vulnerability, risk and resilience. This book is a comprehensive guide to the downscaling techniques used for climate data. A general introduction of the science of climate modeling is followed by a discussion of techniques, models and methodologies used for producing downscaled projections, and the advantages, disadvantages and uncertainties of each. The book provides detailed information on dynamic and statistical downscaling techniques in non-technical language, as well as recommendations for selecting suitable downscaled datasets for different applications. The use of downscaled climate data in national and international assessments is also discussed using global examples. This is a practical guide for graduate students and researchers working on climate impacts and adaptation, as well as for policy makers and practitioners interested in climate risk and resilience.
This textbook focuses on the physics and chemistry of the Earth's upper atmosphere, which is bounded at the bottom by a pressure level at which most of the incoming ionizing radiation has been absorbed, and bounded at the top by the level at which the escape of gas becomes important. The plan of the book is to identify the multitude of processes that operate in the upper atmosphere, and to relate them to observed phenomena by detailed mathematical and physical descriptions of the governing processes. Basic information from many disciplines such as radiation physics and chemistry, fluid dynamics, optics, and spectroscopy is skilfully marshalled to give a coherent account of the upper atmosphere. This book is outstanding as an introduction to the primary literature and current problems for students of physics or chemistry. The text is supported by numerous diagrams, bibliography and index.
'Compelling . . . Clark's enthusiasm shines through on every page' Sunday Times 'An engaging and lively history' Financial Times __________ A thin, invisible layer of air surrounds the Earth, sustaining all known life on the planet and creating the unique climates and weather patterns that make each part of the world different. In Firmament, atmospheric scientist and science communicator Simon Clark offers a rare and accessible tour of the ins and outs of the atmosphere and how we know what we know about it. From the workings of its different layers to why carbon dioxide is special, from pioneers like Pascal to the unsung heroes working in the field to help us understand climate change, Firmament introduces us to an oft-overlooked area of science and not only lays the ground work for us to better understand the debates surrounding the climate today, but also provides a glimpse of the future that is possible with this knowledge in hand. __________
The study of exoplanetary atmospheres--that is, of planets orbiting stars beyond our solar system--may be our best hope for discovering life elsewhere in the universe. This dynamic, interdisciplinary field requires practitioners to apply knowledge from atmospheric and climate science, astronomy and astrophysics, chemistry, geology and geophysics, planetary science, and even biology. Exoplanetary Atmospheres provides an essential introduction to the theoretical foundations of this cutting-edge new science. Exoplanetary Atmospheres covers the physics of radiation, fluid dynamics, atmospheric chemistry, and atmospheric escape. It draws on simple analytical models to aid learning, and features a wealth of problem sets, some of which are open-ended. This authoritative and accessible graduate textbook uses a coherent and self-consistent set of notation and definitions throughout, and also includes appendixes containing useful formulae in thermodynamics and vector calculus as well as selected Python scripts. Exoplanetary Atmospheres prepares PhD students for research careers in the field, and is ideal for self-study as well as for use in a course setting. * The first graduate textbook on the theory of exoplanetary atmospheres* Unifies knowledge from atmospheric and climate science, astronomy and astrophysics, chemistry, planetary science, and more* Covers radiative transfer, fluid dynamics, atmospheric chemistry, and atmospheric escape* Provides simple analytical models and a wealth of problem sets* Includes appendixes on thermodynamics, vector calculus, tabulated Gibbs free energies, and Python scripts* Solutions manual (available only to professors)
This is the only extended textbook that covers in particular the physics of the upper polar atmosphere where the polar lights demonstrates the end product of a process taking place at extremely high latitudes between the solar wind and the upper polar atmosphere. A textboook that meets the modern requriement for reading in order to obtain a master of science or a Dr. of science degree in upper polar atmosphere physics or the interaction between the soalr wind and the Earth's atmosphere
In this book, Dr. Andras Sobester reviews the science behind high altitude flight. He takes the reader on a journey that begins with the complex physiological questions involved in taking humans into the "death zone." How does the body react to falling ambient pressure? Why is hypoxia (oxygen deficiency associated with low air pressure) so dangerous and why is it so difficult to 'design out' of aircraft, why does it still cause fatalities in the 21st century? What cabin pressures are air passengers and military pilots exposed to and why is the choice of an appropriate range of values such a difficult problem? How do high altitude life support systems work and what happens if they fail? What happens if cabin pressure is lost suddenly or, even worse, slowly and unnoticed? The second part of the book tackles the aeronautical problems of flying in the upper atmosphere. What loads does stratospheric flight place on pressurized cabins at high altitude and why are these difficult to predict? What determines the maximum altitude an aircraft can climb to? What is the 'coffin corner' and how can it be avoided? The history of aviation has seen a handful of airplanes reach altitudes in excess of 70,000 feet - what are the extreme engineering challenges of climbing into the upper stratosphere? Flying high makes very high speeds possible -- what are the practical limits? The key advantage of stratospheric flight is that the aircraft will be 'above the weather' - but is this always the case? Part three of the book investigates the extreme atmospheric conditions that may be encountered in the upper atmosphere. How high can a storm cell reach and what is it like to fly into one? How frequent is high altitude 'clear air' turbulence, what causes it and what are its effects on aircraft? The stratosphere can be extremely cold - how cold does it have to be before flight becomes unsafe? What happens when an aircraft encounters volcanic ash at high altitude? Very high winds can be encountered at the lower boundary of the stratosphere - what effect do they have on aviation? Finally, part four looks at the extreme limits of stratospheric flight. How high will a winged aircraft will ever be able to fly? What are the ultimate altitude limits of ballooning? What is the greatest altitude that you could still bail out from? And finally, what are the challenges of exploring the stratospheres of other planets and moons? The author discusses these and many other questions, the known knowns, the known unkonwns and the potential unknown unknowns of stratospheric flight through a series of notable moments of the recent history of mankind's forays into the upper atmospheres, each of these incidents, accidents or great triumphs illustrating a key aspect of what makes stratospheric flight aviation at the limit.
Modelling transport and mixing by turbulence in complex flows are huge challenges for computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This highly readable book introduces readers to modelling levels that respect the physical complexity of turbulent flows. It examines the hierarchy of Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) closures in various situations ranging from fundamental flows to three-dimensional industrial and environmental applications. The general second-moment closure is simplified to linear eddy-viscosity models, demonstrating how to assess the applicability of simpler schemes and the conditions under which they give satisfactory predictions. The principal changes for the second edition reflect the impact of computing power: a new chapter devoted to unsteady RANS and another on how large-eddy simulation, LES, and RANS strategies can be effectively combined for particular applications. This book will remain the standard for those in industry and academia seeking expert guidance on the modelling options available, and for graduate students in physics, applied mathematics and engineering entering the world of turbulent flow CFD.
With significant advances in the field of atmospheric radiation and remote sensing in recent years, the need for an up-to-date treatment of radiation and cloud physics has become evident. This monograph addresses these advances, focusing on the physical principles and approximations required to develop specific subjects. In addition to its scientific value, the information presented here is essential for the development of better weather prediction models for medium- and long-range forecasting. It is also critical for achieving accurate retrieval of temperature and humidity profiles from satellite measurements, since new techniques for monitoring global biogeochemical changes rely on radiation theory and a precise knowledge of clouds and their role in radiative transfer.
The purpose of this work is to offer a clear physical explanation of the Coriolis force. Meterologists and oceanographers have invoked this somewhat mysterious force to explain the apparent equilibrium of a system of wind patterns or ocean currents in the presence of horizontal pressure gradients so that the velocity of fluid lies among isobars. The force is named for Gustave Gaspard Coriolis (1792-1843), a French mathematician who studied its effects. In order to make the mathematical concepts more tangible, the authors have prepared a series of computer exercises, written in BASIC for the IMB-AT with Enhanced Color Display, that can be copied piece by piece. For those who prefer not to make up their own copy of the program, there are instructions on how to order a pre-made copy in the Introduction of this book. These programs will provide an interactive tool for experimenting with a variety of problems involving the idea of Coriolis force. "An Introduction to the Coriolis Force" will be most useful for studying the hydrodynamics of the ocean and atmosphere. It also presents many aspects of classical mechanics/dynamics physics. Its straightforward explanations and unique accessibility should help explain the complexities of this mysterious force, about which many scientists have had lingering uncertainties since it was first described in 1831.
Clouds are the spark plugs in the heat engine of the tropical atmosphere, and heat from the tropics drives the planet's general circulation. Atmospheric scientists didn't know this in the 1950s, but Joanne Simpson, the first American woman to earn a Ph.D. in meteorology, did. Most histories of meteorology focus on polar and temperate regions and the accomplishments of male scientists. They marginalize or erase completely the contributions of female researchers. Joanne's work on the tropical atmosphere did not fit this pattern. Joanne had a lifelong passion for clouds and severe storms. She flew into and above them, photographed them, modeled them, attempted to modify them, and studied them from all angles. She held two university professorships, married three times, had two lovers (one secret), mentored a generation of meteorologists, and blazed a trail for other women to follow. This book is about Joanne's personal and professional life, her career prospects as a woman in science, and her relationship to the tropical atmosphere. These multifaceted and interacting textual streams constitute a braided narrative and form a complex dynamic system that displays surprising emergent properties. Is Joanne Simpson best remembered as a pioneer woman scientist or the best tropical scientist of her generation? She was both, with the emphasis on best scientist.
The first serious study of the likely road to independence, and the consequences, "Scottish Independence" starts with a detailed guide to the stages along the route to independence and goes on to analyze the legal, political and economic effects.
Combining rigorous theory with practical application, this book provides a unified and detailed account of the fundamental equations governing atmospheric and oceanic fluid flow on which global, quantitative models of weather and climate prediction are founded. It lays the foundation for more accurate models by making fewer approximations and imposing dynamical and thermodynamical consistency, moving beyond the assumption that the Earth is perfectly spherical. A general set of equations is developed in a standard notation with clearly stated assumptions, limitations, and important properties. Some exact, non-linear solutions are developed to promote further understanding and for testing purposes. This book contains a thorough consideration of the fundamental equations for atmospheric and oceanic models, and is therefore invaluable to both theoreticians and numerical modellers. It also stands as an accessible source for reference purposes.
The development of unconventional oil and gas shales using hydraulic fracturing and directional drilling is currently a focal point of energy and climate change discussions. While this technology has provided access to substantial reserves of oil and gas, the need for large quantities of water, emissions, and infrastructure raises concerns over the environmental impacts. Written by an international consortium of experts, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the extraction from unconventional reservoirs, providing clear explanations of the technology and processes involved. Each chapter is devoted to different aspects including global reserves, the status of their development and regulatory framework, water management and contamination, air quality, earthquakes, radioactivity, isotope geochemistry, microbiology, and climate change. Case studies present baseline studies, water monitoring efforts and habitat destruction. This book is accessible to a wide audience, from academics to industry professionals and policy makers interested in environmental pollution and petroleum exploration.
This book presents the most comprehensive and systematic description currently available of both classical and novel theories of cloud processes, providing a much-needed link between cloud theory, observation, experimental results, and cloud modeling. This volume shows why and how modern models serve as a major tool of investigation of cloud processes responsible for atmospheric phenomena, including climate change. It systematically describes classical as well as recent advancements in cloud physics, including cloud-aerosol interaction; collisions of particles in turbulent clouds; and the formation of multiphase cloud particles. As the first of its kind to serve as a practical guide for using state-of-the-art numerical cloud models, major emphasis is placed on explaining how microphysical processes are treated in modern numerical cloud resolving models. The book will be a valuable resource for advanced students, researchers and numerical model designers in cloud physics, atmospheric science, meteorology, and environmental science.
The Earth that sustains us today was born out of a few remarkable, near-catastrophic revolutions, started by biological innovations and marked by global environmental consequences. The revolutions have certain features in common, such as an increase in the complexity, energy utilization, and information processing capabilities of life. This book describes these revolutions, showing the fundamental interdependence of the evolution of life and its non-living environment. We would not exist unless these upheavals had led eventually to 'successful' outcomes - meaning that after each one, at length, a new stable world emerged. The current planet-reshaping activities of our species may be the start of another great Earth system revolution, but there is no guarantee that this one will be successful. This book explains what a successful transition through it might look like, if we are wise enough to steer such a course. This book places humanity in context as part of the Earth system, using a new scientific synthesis to illustrate our debt to the deep past and our potential for the future.
Environmental Micropollutants, the latest volume in the Advances in Environmental Pollution Research series, presents the latest research on various environmental micropollutants, as well as their impacts on health and the economy, also addressing the best possible solutions to address the risks presented by these pollutants. The book covers solutions for dusts, infectious particles, heavy metals, organophosphates, atmospheric toxic organic micropollutants, fungal spores, pollutants from E-waste, and antibiotics threats, providing researchers working in environmental science and management with key knowledge to address this increasingly important concern. These types of micropollutants can be present in water, air and soil and can harm health even in low quantities, hence this book covers the challenges these pollutants pose to the environment and human health, presenting practical solutions. |
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