An Introduction to Clouds
An Introduction to Clouds
Felix Lüönd, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Fabian Mahrt, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
An Introduction to Clouds provides a fundamental understanding of clouds, ranging from cloud microphysics to the large-scale impacts of clouds on climate. On the microscale, phase changes and ice nucleation are covered comprehensively, including aerosol particles and thermodynamics relevant for the formation of clouds and precipitation. At larger scales, cloud dynamics, mid-latitude storms and tropical cyclones are discussed leading to the role of clouds on the hydrological cycle and climate. Each chapter ends with problem sets and multiple-choice questions that can be completed online, and important equations are highlighted in boxes for ease of reference. Combining mathematical formulations with qualitative explanations of underlying concepts, this accessible book requires relatively little previous knowledge, making it ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in atmospheric science, environmental sciences and related disciplines.
- Fills the gap of a missing comprehensive cloud physics textbook at the undergraduate level
- Provides detailed derivations of the main equations, enabling a thorough understanding of complex concepts, including microphysical cloud processes
- Originates from a lecture series dedicated to a one-semester course in cloud physics
Reviews & endorsements
'This textbook bridges an important gap that exists in the current literature between too basic and too advanced. It is ideally suited for the upper-level undergraduate and early graduate student that needs a solid foundation in cloud microphysics and chemistry. Important contemporary topics, including uncertainty in climate change, are tackled and explained.' Daniel Cziczo, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
'This book provides a unique comprehensive overview of clouds and their role in the climate system, from the microphysical formation of droplets and ice crystals on aerosol particles, through complex cloud microphysics and cloud dynamics, all the way to cloud radiative effects and their role in the climate system. An excellent and nicely illustrated introduction to clouds for students and researchers alike.' Philip Stier, University of Oxford
'This is an excellent comprehensive and up-to-date introductory textbook on clouds. The multiple choice questions and mathematical problems at the end of each chapter are invaluable for learning. Carefully written in a logical and easy to follow manner, this book will be a great addition to the teaching of clouds and their role in climate at the upper-level undergraduate and early graduate level.' M. K. Yau, McGill University, Montréal
Product details
No date availableHardback
9781107018228
399 pages
253 × 194 × 23 mm
1.11kg
184 b/w illus. 23 colour illus. 27 tables
Table of Contents
- Preface
- List of symbols
- List of acronyms
- 1. Clouds
- 2. Thermodynamics
- 3. Atmospheric dynamics
- 4. Mixing and convection
- 5. Atmospheric aerosol particles
- 6. Cloud droplet formation and Köhler theory
- 7. Microphysical processes of warm clouds
- 8. Microphysical processes of cold clouds
- 9. Precipitation
- 10. Storms and cloud dynamics
- 11. Global energy budget
- 12. Impact of aerosol particles and clouds on climate
- References
- Index.
