Atmospheric Circulation Dynamics and General Circulation Models

Updated and revised, this second edition outlines theoretical concepts, simple models and numerical methods for modeling the general circulation of the atmosphere. New topics include the recent progress of high resolution global modeling, as well as aspects of high-resolution global nonhydrostatis models.

General circulation models (GCMs), which define the fundamental dynamics of atmospheric circulation, are nowadays used in various fields of atmospheric science such as weather forecasting, climate predictions and environmental estimations. The Second Edition of this renowned work has been updated to include recent progress of high resolution global modeling. It also contains for the first time aspects of high-resolution global non-hydrostatic models that the author has been studying since the publication of the first edition. Some highlighted results from the Non-hydrostatic ICosahedral Atmospheric Model (NICAM) are also included. The author outlines the theoretical concepts, simple models and numerical methods for modeling the general circulation of the atmosphere. Concentrating on the physical mechanisms responsible for the development of large-scale circulation of the atmosphere, the book offers comprehensive coverage of an important and rapidly developing technique used in the atmospheric science. Dynamic interpretations of the atmospheric structure and their aspects in the general circulation model are described step by step.

Uniquely combines in a single text the theoretical concepts, simple models and numerical methods used for modeling the general circulation of the atmosphere Includes recent progress of high resolution global modeling Contains for the first time aspects of high-resolution global non-hydrostatic models studied by the author

Contenu

Part 1: Principle Ideas

chap1: Basic equations

chap2: Basic balances and stability

chap3: Approximations of equations

chap4: Waves

chap5: Instability

chap6: Forced motions

chap7: Eddy transport

chap8: Thermodynamics of moist air

chap9: Basic equations of moist air

chap10: Radiation process

chap11: Turbulence

Part 2: Atmospheric Structures

chap12: Global budget

chap13: Latitudinal energy balance

chap14: Vertical structure

chap15: Moist convection

chap16: Low-latitude circulations

chap17: Circulations on the sphere

chap18: Mid-latitude circulations

chap19: Global mixing

Part 3: General Circulation Modeling

chap20: Basic equations of the general circulation models

chap21: Spectral method on the sphere

chap22: Vertical discretization

chap23: Time integration

chap24: Global nonhydrostatic models

chap25: Standard experiments of atmospheric general circulation models

Appendix1: Transformation of coordinates

Appendix2: Physical constants

Appendix3: Meridional structure