Atmospheric ConvectionThis graduate-level meteorology text and reference provides a scientifically rigorous description of the many types of convective circulations in the Earth's atmosphere. These range from small-scale, convectively driven turbulences in the boundary layer to precipitating systems covering many thousands of square kilometers. The text introduces the principal techniques used in understanding and predicting convective motion: theory, field experiment, and numerical modelling. Part I explores dry convection, including turbulent plumes and thermals from isolated buoyancy sources, Raleigh-Benard convection, and turbulent convection in the planetary boundary layer. Emphasis is placed on applying theoretical understanding and lessons from experiments. Part II offers a complete treatment of the thermodynamics of moist and cloudy air, including fundamental laws, conserved quantities, graphical techniques, and stability. Part III explores the characteristics of individual convective clouds, thunderstorms, squall lines, mesoscale convective systems, and slantwise convection. Part IV studies the ensemble effects of convective clouds, including stratocumulus at trade cumulus boundary layers and the representation of convective clouds in numerical models. Each chapter is followed by a set of exercises. |
What people are saying - Write a review
We haven't found any reviews in the usual places.
Contents
General Principles | 3 |
Convection from local sources | 14 |
the RayleighBenard problem | 47 |
Moist thermodynamic processes | 107 |
Graphical techniques | 145 |
Stability | 165 |
Observed characteristics of nonprecipitating | 191 |
Theory of mixing in cumulus clouds | 215 |
Numerical modeling of convective clouds | 280 |
Dynamics of precipitating convection | 329 |
Slantwise convection | 392 |
Stratocumulus and tradecumulus boundary | 421 |
Deep convective regimes | 463 |
Interaction of convection with largescale flows | 488 |
Cumulus representation in numerical models | 524 |
Water and thermodynamic variables | 561 |
Common terms and phrases
adiabatic altitude approximation assumed atmosphere average base becomes boundary layer buoyancy CAPE Chapter cloud compared conserved considered constant convection cooling cumulus defined density dependence described difference direction displacement distribution dynamics effects energy entrainment entropy environment equations equilibrium example fall Figure flow fluid flux function given gives gradient heat height horizontal important increases initial instability integrated inversion large-scale liquid mass mass flux mean measure mixing ratio moist momentum motion negative neutral Note observations occur parcel plume positive potential precipitation pressure processes profiles quantities radiative radiative cooling Rayleigh relation represents respectively result saturation scale scheme shear shown shows simulations solution sounding specific squall lines storm subcloud surface temperature thermodynamic tropical turbulence updraft usually variables velocity vertical virtual volume water vapor wind
Bibliographic information
| Title | Atmospheric Convection |
| Author | Kerry A. Emanuel |
| Edition | illustrated |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press, 1994 |
| ISBN | 0195066308, 9780195066302 |
| Length | 580 pages |
| Subjects | › › Nature / Weather Science / Earth Sciences / Meteorology & Climatology Science / Physics / Geophysics |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |