The Global Circulation of the Atmosphere

About this book

Despite major advances in the observation and numerical simulation of the atmosphere, basic features of the Earth's climate remain poorly understood. Integrating the available data and computational resources to improve our understanding of the global circulation of the atmosphere remains a challenge. Theory must play a critical role in meeting this challenge. This book provides an authoritative summary of the state of the art on this front. Bringing together seventeen of the field's leading experts to address those aspects of the global circulation of the atmosphere most relevant to climate, the book brings the reader up to date on the key frontiers in general circulation theory - including the nonlinear and turbulent global-scale dynamics that determine fundamental aspects of the Earth's climate. It covers both tropical and extratropical dynamics. While emphasizing theory, as expressed through relatively simple mathematical models, it also draws connections to simulations with comprehensive general circulation models. Topics include the dynamics of storm tracks, interactions between wave dynamics and the hydrological cycle, monsoons, tropical-extratropical interactions, and the processes controlling atmospheric humidity. An essential resource for graduate students in atmospheric, ocean, and climate sciences and for researchers seeking an overview of the field, "The Global Circulation of the Atmosphere" sets the standard for future research in a science that stands at a critical juncture.

Contents

Foreword by Edward N. Lorenz vii Preface xi Chapter 1: Progress and Problems in Large-Scale Atmospheric Dynamics by Isaac M. Held 1 Chapter 2: Theories of Baroclinic Adjustment and Eddy Equilibration by Pablo Zurita-Gotor and Richard S. Lindzen 22 Chapter 3: The Thermal Stratification of the Extratropical Troposphere by Tapio Schneider 47 Chapter 4: Storm Track Dynamics by Kyle L. Swanson 78 Chapter 5: Eddy-Mediated Interactions Between Low Latitudes and the Extratropics by Walter A. Robinson 104 Chapter 6: On the Relative Humidity of the Atmosphere by Raymond T. Pierrehumbert, Helene Brogniez, and Remy Roca 143 Chapter 7: Quasi-Equilibrium Dynamics of the Tropical Atmosphere by Kerry Emanuel 186 Chapter 8: Simple Models of Ensemble-Averaged Tropical Precipitation and Surface Wind, Given the Sea Surface Temperature by Adam H. Sobel 219 Chapter 9: Dynamical Constraints on Monsoon Circulations by R. Alan Plumb 252 Chapter 10: Moist Dynamics of Tropical Convection Zones in Monsoons, Teleconnections, and Global Warming by J. David Neelin 267 Chapter 11: Challenges in Numerical Modeling of Tropical Circulations by Christopher S. Bretherton 302 Chapter 12: Challenges to Our Understanding of the General Circulation: Abrupt Climate Change by Richard Seager and David S. Battisti 331 List of Contributors 373 Index 375

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Biography

Tapio Schneider is assistant professor of environmental science and engineering at the California Institute of Technology. Adam H. Sobel is associate professor of applied physics and applied mathematics and of earth and environmental sciences at Columbia University.