Thermal Physics of the Atmosphere

About this book

Offers a concise and thorough introduction on how basic thermodynamics naturally leads on to advanced topics in atmospheric physics. The book starts by covering the basics of thermodynamics and its applications in atmospheric science. The later chapters describe major applications, specific to more specialized areas of atmospheric physics, including vertical structure and stability, cloud formation, and radiative processes. The book concludes with a discussion of non-equilibrium thermodynamics as applied to the atmosphere.

Contents

Preface
Useful data

1 Ideal gases
2 The first and second laws
3 General applications
4 The atmosphere under gravity
5 Water in the atmosphere
6 Vertical structure of the moist atmosphere
7 Cloud drops
8 Mixtures and solutions
9 Thermal radiation
10 Non-equilibrium processes

Appendix A Functions of several variables
Appendix B Exergy and thermodynamic stability
Appendix C Thermodynamic diagrams
Appendix D Relationship between energy density and energy flux
Index

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