Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics [Paperback]

A systematic, unifying approach to the dynamics of the ocean and atmosphere is given in this book, with emphasis on the larger-scale motions (from a few kilometers to global scale). The foundations of the subject (the equations of state and dynamical equations) are covered in some detail, so that students with training in mathematics should find it a self-contained text. Knowledge of fluid mechanics is helpful but not essential. Simple mathematical models are used to demonstrate the fundamental dynamical principles with plentiful illustrations from field and laboratory.How the Ocean--Atmosphere System Is Driven. Transfer of Properties between Atmosphere and Ocean. Properties of a Fluid at Rest. Equations Satisfied by a Moving Fluid. Adjustment under Gravity in a Nonrotating System. Adjustment under Gravity of a Density-Stratified Fluid. Effect of Rotation. Gravity Waves in a Rotating Fluid. Forced Motion. Effects of Side Boundaries. The Tropics. Mid-Latitudes. Instabilities, Fronts, and the General Circulation. Units and Their SI Equivalents. Useful Values. Properties of Seawater. Properties of Moist Air. A List of Atlases and Data Sources. References. Index.In this important new work, Dr. Gill provides a unified, comprehensive approach to the study of oceanic and atmospheric circulations. He explains how atmospheric and oceanic circulations are ultimately driven by solar energy and covers the study of observed distributions of physical quantities, including temperature. Concise treatments of basic hydrostatics and thermodynamics are also provided.
This instructive work uses simple mathematical models to illustrate fundamental dynamical principles, enabling scholars from diverse disciplines to understand complex theory. Furthermore, the equations of state and dynamical equations are covered in detail, making this a self-contained text for those with advanced mathematical training. The extensive bibliography and index and the historical information included lC‘