An textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate atmospheric science and meteorology students. Although this book addresses a technically and mathematically demanding subject, the writing style is designed to be engaging and accessible for students requiring a basic foundation in atmospheric physics.

This textbook covers the essentials of atmospheric radiation at a level appropriate to advanced undergraduates and first-year graduate students. It was written specifically to be readable and technically accessible to students having no prior background in the subject area and who may or may not intend to continue with more advanced study of radiation or remote sensing. The author emphasizes physical insight, first and foremost, but backed by the essential mathematical relationships. The second edition adds new exercises, improved figures, a table of symbols, and discussions of new topics, such as the Poynting vector and the energy balance within the atmosphere. The book web page includes additional resources for courses taught using this book, including downloadable/printable PDF figures as well as solutions to most problems (for instructors of recognized courses only).

An introductory textbook on atmospheric radiation written for undergraduate and first-year graduate meteorology students.

This exciting text provides a mathematically rigorous yet accessible textbook that is primarily aimed at atmospheric science majors. Its accessibility is due to the texts emphasis on conceptual understanding. The first five chapters constitute a companion text to introductory courses covering the dynamics of the mid-latitude atmosphere. The final four chapters constitute a more advanced course, and provide insights into the diagnostic power of the quasi-geostrophic approximation of the equations outlined in the previous chapters, the meso-scale dynamics of thefrontal zone, the alternative PV perspective for cyclone interpretation, and the dynamics of the life-cycle of mid-latitude cyclones. Written in a clear and accessible style Features real weather examples and global case studies Each chapter sets out clear learning objectives and tests students’ knowledge with concluding questions and answers A Solutions Manual is also available for this textbook on the Instructor Companion Site www.wileyeurope.com/college/martin. “...a student-friendly yet rigorous textbook that accomplishes what no other textbook has done before... I highly recommend this textbook. For instructors, this is a great book if they don’t have their own class notes – one can teach straight from the book. And for students, this is a great book if they don’t take good class notes – one can learn straight from the book. This is a rare attribute of advanced textbooks.” Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (BAMS), 2008

An Introduction to Atmospheric Radiation

This practical textbook introduces the fundamental physics behind radar measurements, to guide students and practitioners in the proper interpretation of radar reflectivity, Doppler velocity and dual-polarization imagery. Operational applications are explored, such as how radar imagery can be used to analyze and forecast convective and widespread weather systems. The book concludes with an overview of current research topics, including the study of clouds and precipitation using radars, signal processing, and data assimilation. Numerous full-color illustrations are included, as well as problem sets, case studies, and a variety of supplementary electronic material including animated time sequences of images to help convey complex concepts. This book is a valuable resource for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in radar meteorology and other related courses, such as precipitation microphysics and dynamics. It will also make a useful reference for researchers, professional meteorologists and hydrologists.

Basic Concepts: Composition, Structure, and State. First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics. Transfer Processes. Thermodynamics of Water. Nucleation and Diffusional Growth. Moist Thermodynamics Processes in the Atmosphere. Static Stability of the Atmosphere and Ocean. Cloud Characteristics and Processes. Ocean Surface Exchanges of Heat and Freshwater. Sea, Ice, Snow, and Glaciers. Thermohaline Processes in the Ocean. Special Topics: Global Energy and Entropy Balances. Thermodynamics Feedbacks in the Climate System. Planetary Atmospheres and Surface Ice. Appendices. Subject Index.