Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics (International Geophysics Series, Volume 30)

Applies successive bifurcations approach to complex time-dependent processes in large scale atmospheric dynamics, geomagnetism, and theoretical climate dynamics. Presentation of results on planetary-scale phenomena in the earth's atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere, mantle and core provides an integrated account of mathematical theory and methods together with physical phenomena and processes. Brings together modern tools of nonlinear mathematics and the problems of global change in the environment Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics deals with a systematic and unified approach to the dynamics of the ocean and atmosphere. The book reviews the relationship of the ocean-atmosphere and how this system functions. The text explains this system through radiative equilibrium models; the book also considers the greenhouse effect, the effects of convection and of horizontal gradients, and the variability in radiative driving of the earth. Equations in the book show the properties of a material element, mass conservation, the balance of scalar quantity (such as salinity), and the mathematical behavior of the ocean and atmosphere. The book also addresses how the ocean-atmosphere system tends to adjust to equilibrium, both in the absence and presence of driving forces such as gravity. The text also explains the effect of the earth's rotation on the system, as well as the application of forced motions such as that produced by wind or temperature changes. The book explains tropical dynamics and the effects of variation of the Coriolis parameter with latitude. The text will be appreciated by meteorologists, environmentalists, students studying hydrology, and people working in general earth sciences. 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. In this work, Dr. Gill looks at 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. This book is about winds, currents, and the distribution of heat in the atmosphere and ocean.