Basics of Atmospheric Dynamics

R.N. Keshavamurty

• Publisher: CRC Press
• Year: 2021
• Print ISBN: 9781032140087
• eBook ISBN: 9781000507249
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Physical Sciences
• Subtopic: Geology & Earth Sciences

The book discusses the basic of atmospheric dynamics where the curved surface of the earth and its rotation around its own axis plays very important roles. The emphasis is on basic physical concepts and the interpretation of equations and the different terms therein. Note: T&F does not sell or distribute the hardback in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

1.Basic Governing Equations

1.1 Introduction

Many of the atmospheric motion systems are driven by differential heating. Examples of this are the atmospheric general circulation as also some weather systems. In particular, tropical cyclones are driven by the release of latent heat in the central region. Thus we need equations of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics for the study of such systems.

The basic governing equations of atmospheric motion are:

1. Equation of motion
2. Continuity equation
3. Equation of state
4. First law of thermodynamics

1.2 Equation of Motion

This is a statement of Newton’s second law of motion for a parcel of air (of unit mass) in the atmosphere. It is written as

$\frac{d\overrightarrow{V}}{dt}=-\alpha \nabla p+\overrightarrow{g}-2\overrightarrow{\Omega }\times \overrightarrow{V}+\overrightarrow{F}$

where p is pressure, $\alpha =\frac{1}{\rho }$ ρ is density, $\overrightarrow{V}$ is vector wind, $\overrightarrow{g}$ is gravity, $\overrightarrow{\Omega }$ is angular velocity of earth, $\overrightarrow{F}$ is frictional force.

The acceleration is equal to the vector sum of all forces (per unit mass, as mentioned above) acting on the parcel, such as

1. Pressure gradient force¹
2. Gravity
3. Coriolis force
4. Frictional force

¹Appendix 1

The coriolis force arises from the rotation of the earth. We begin with a non-rotating co-ordinate system fixed at the centre of the earth a...

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Foreword
• Preface
• Table of Contents
• Chapter 1 Basic Governing Equations
• Chapter 2 Energetics of the Atmosphere
• Chapter 3 Atmospheric General Circulation
• Chapter 4 Waves in the Atmosphere
• Chapter 5 Large Scale Atmospheric Modeling
• Chapter 6 Hydrodynamic Instability
• Appendices
• List of Symbols used
• References