This is a self-contained, concise, rigorous book introducing the reader to the basics of atmospheric thermodynamics. This new edition has been brought completely up to date and reorganized to improve the quality and flow of the material. The introductory chapters provide definitions and useful mathematical and physical notes to help readers understand the basics. The book then describes the topics relevant to atmospheric processes, including the properties of moist air and atmospheric stability. It concludes with a brief introduction to the problem of weather forecasting and the relevance of thermodynamics. Each chapter contains worked examples and student exercises, with solutions available to instructors on a password protected website at www.cambridge.org/9780521796767. The author has taught atmospheric thermodynamics for over 20 years and is a highly respected researcher. This book is an ideal text for short undergraduate courses taken as part of an atmospheric science, meteorology, physics or natural science program.
• Has been completely updated and reorganised to greatly improve the quality and flow of the material • Tailored to suit short undergraduate courses • Author is a highly respected researcher and has taught atmospheric thermodynamics at undergraduate level for over 20 years
Contents
Preface; 1. Basic definitions; 2. Some useful mathematical and physical topics; 3. Early experiments and laws; 4. The first law of thermodynamics; 5. The second law of thermodynamics; 6. Water and its transformations; 7. Moist air; 8. Vertical stability in the atmosphere; 9. Thermodynamic diagrams; 10. Beyond this book; References; Appendix; Index.
Reviews
' … Tsonis does an excellent job. … the book certainly achieves its aim of a clear, concise and well-presented introduction to atmospheric thermodynamics and I would recommend it as ideal as a teaching resource.' Weather
'… a handy reference for many of the basic concepts …' EOS
'This is really a student's book, not a monograph pressed into classroom service. The strength of Tsonis' book is that the author talks to the students without sacrificing rigor. He has included many good examples at the end of each chapter; these examples are, so to speak, application notes … problems are given too, to tease and torture the students. In general, the pace is unhurried and unforbidding. The book is attractively produced. … the book has a niche as a first exposure beyond basic physics to the marvelous complexities of the gaseous atmosphere.' Bulletin of American Meteorological Society
'Overall this text has the potential to be a future classic for atmospheric thermodynamics.' Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society
'…well written and nicely produced.' Kedar N. Shukla, Zentralblatt MATH
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