The Physics of Atmospheres
The Physics of Atmospheres
In this acclaimed textbook, John Houghton provides a comprehensive and concise description of the physical processes governing the structure and the circulation of the atmosphere. Completely revised and updated, the third edition contains much new and expanded material. 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. Like its predecessors, which received excellent reviews, this new edition will be an essential textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in meteorology, atmospheric physics, remote sensing, climate science, environmental science, and planetary science. Researchers and professionals in atmospheric physics and meteorology will also find it an excellent and up-to-date review of their subject.
- Completely revised and updated third edition of a very highly respected textbook
- Includes new chapters on chaos theory and human-induced climate change
- Author is a leader in his field and is very highly regarded
- Most comprehensive, but concise, textbook available on atmospheric physics at this level
Reviews & endorsements
From the reviews of the previous edition: '… a splendid volume in the best traditions of CUP student texts. An excellent source of reference.' New Scientist
'Professor Houghton has made a laudable attempt to present a scientifically rigorous account of a very large subject in a very small book. The resulting volume is well worth its price and could be extremely useful to a serious and well-prepared would-be meteorologist.' WMO Bulletin
'… a good introductory text which can be thoroughly recommended'. Contemporary Physics
'… The first edition of this book was successful and this revised edition deserves the same or greater success. It provides a good introduction to the subject, readily understood by the intended readership, while also serving as a reference in some fields for those with more experience … should find a place on many bookshelves and, more importantly, open on students' desks.' Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society
'Students of meteorology, as well as anybody required a general overview of atmospheric science, should certainly read this book. it will also provide a useful introduction to aspects of climate modelling and meteorological remote sensing for environmental scientists.' Weather
' … the book contains answers to and hints for solving the problems … Clearly, this has been a successful book, and the new material and format should ensure continued popularity with a new generation of users.' International Journal of Climatology
'Clearly, this has been a successful book, and the new material and format should ensure continued popularity with a new generation of users.' International Journal of Climatology
'… an essential item for reference.' The Imaging Science Journal
Product details
No date availableHardback
9780521804561
336 pages
256 × 180 × 26 mm
0.803kg
152 b/w illus. 11 tables 198 exercises
Table of Contents
- Preface
- 1. Some basic ideas
- 2. A radiative equilibrium model
- 3. Thermodynamics
- 4. More complex radiation transfer
- 5. The middle and upper atmospheres
- 6. Clouds
- 7. Dynamics
- 8. Atmospheric waves
- 9. Turbulence
- 10. The general circulation
- 11. Numerical modelling
- 12. Global observation
- 13. Chaos and atmospheric predictability
- 14. Climate and climate change
- Index.
