This book deals primarily with monitoring, prediction and understanding of Tropical Cyclones (TCs). It was envisioned to serve as a teaching and reference resource at universities and academic institutions for researchers and post-graduate students. It has been designed to provide a broad outlook on recent advances in observations, assimilation and modeling of TCs with detailed and advanced information on genesis, intensification, movement and storm surge prediction. Specifically, it focuses on (i) state-of-the-art observations for advancing TC research, (ii) advances in numerical weather prediction for TCs, (iii) advanced assimilation and vortex initialization techniques, (iv) ocean coupling, (v) current capabilities to predict TCs, and (vi) advanced research in physical and dynamical processes in TCs. The chapters in the book are authored by leading international experts from academic, research and operational environments. The book is also expected to stimulate critical thinking for cyclone forecasters and researchers, managers, policy makers, and graduate and post-graduate students to carry out future research in the field of TCs.

Data assimilation aims at determining as accurately as possible the state of a dynamical system by combining heterogeneous sources of information in an optimal way. Generally speaking, the mathematical methods of data assimilation describe algorithms for forming optimal combinations of observations of a system, a numerical model that describes its evolution, and appropriate prior information. Data assimilation has a long history of application to high-dimensional geophysical systems dating back to the 1960s, with application to the estimation of initial conditions for weather forecasts. It has become a major component of numerical forecasting systems in geophysics, and an intensive field of research, with numerous additional applications in oceanography, atmospheric chemistry, and extensions to other geophysical sciences. The physical complexity and the high dimensionality of geophysical systems have led the community of geophysics to make significant contributions to the fundamental theory of data assimilation. This book gathers notes from lectures and seminars given by internationally recognized scientists during a three-week school held in the Les Houches School of physics in 2012, on theoretical and applied data assimilation. It is composed of (i) a series of main lectures, presenting the fundamentals of the most commonly used methods, and the information theory background required to understand and evaluate the role of observations; (ii) a series of specialized lectures, addressing various aspects of data assimilation in detail, from the most recent developments of the theory to the specificities of various thematic applications.

Data assimilation is theoretically founded on probability, statistics, control theory, information theory, linear algebra, and functional analysis. At the same time, data assimilation is a very practical subject, given its goal of estimating the posterior probability density function in realistic high-dimensional applications. This puts data assimilation at the intersection between the contrasting requirements of theory and practice. Based on over twenty years of teaching courses in data assimilation, Principles of Data Assimilation introduces a unique perspective that is firmly based on mathematical theories, but also acknowledges practical limitations of the theory. With the inclusion of numerous examples and practical case studies throughout, this new perspective will help students and researchers to competently interpret data assimilation results and to identify critical challenges of developing data assimilation algorithms. The benefit of information theory also introduces new pathways for further development, understanding, and improvement of data assimilation methods.

This book provides a wealth of new information, ideas and analysis on some of the key unknowns in hurricane research. Topics covered include the numerical prediction systems for tropical cyclone development, the use of remote sensing methods for tropical cyclone development, a parametric surface wind model for tropical cyclones, a micrometeorological analysis of the wind as a hurricane passes over Houston, USA, the meteorological passage of numerous tropical cyclones as they pass over the South China Sea, simulation modelling of evacuations by motorised vehicles in Alabama, the influence of high stream-flow events on nutrient flows in the post hurricane period, a reviews of the medical needs, both physical and psychological of children in a post hurricane scenario and finally the impact of two hurricanes on Ireland. Hurricanes discussed in the various chapters include Katrina, Ike, Isidore, Humberto, Debbie and Charley and many others in the North Atlantic as well as numerous tropical cyclones in the South China Sea.

This volume presents papers from the biennial International Laser Radar Conference (ILRC), the world’s leading event in the field of atmospheric research using lidar. With growing environmental concerns to address such as air quality deterioration, stratospheric ozone depletion, extreme weather events, and changing climate, the lidar technique has never been as critical as it is today to monitor, alert, and help solve current and emerging problems of this century. The 30th occurrence of the ILRC unveils many of the newest results and discoveries in atmospheric science and laser remote sensing technology. The 30th ILRC conference program included all contemporary ILRC themes, leveraging on both the past events’ legacy and the latest advances in lidar technologies and scientific discoveries, with participation by young scientists particularly encouraged. This proceedings volume includes a compilation of cutting-edge research on the following themes: new lidar techniques and methodologies; measurement of clouds and aerosol properties; atmospheric temperature, wind, turbulence, and waves; atmospheric boundary layer processes and their role in air quality and climate; greenhouse gases, tracers, and transport in the free troposphere and above; the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere; synergistic use of multiple instruments and techniques, networks and campaigns; model validation and data assimilation using lidar measurements; space-borne lidar missions, instruments and science; ocean lidar instrumentation, techniques, and retrievals; and past, present and future synergy of heterodyne and direct detection lidar applications. In addition, special sessions celebrated 50 years of lidar atmospheric observations since the first ILRC, comprising review talks followed by a plenary discussion on anticipated future directions.

Encyclopedia of Atmospheric Sciences, Second Edition, Six Volume Set is an authoritative resource covering all aspects of atmospheric sciences, including both theory and applications. With more than 320 articles and 1,600 figures and photographs, this revised version of the award-winning first edition offers comprehensive coverage of this important field. The six volumes in this set contain broad-ranging articles on topics such as atmospheric chemistry, biogeochemical cycles, boundary layers, clouds, general circulation, global change, mesoscale meteorology, ozone, radar, satellite remote sensing, and weather prediction. The Encyclopedia is an ideal resource for academia, government, and industry in the fields of atmospheric, ocean, and environmental sciences. It is written at a level that allows undergraduate students to understand the material, while providing active researchers with the latest information in the field. Covers all aspects of atmospheric sciences—including both theory and applications Presents more than 320 articles and more than 1,600 figures and photographs Broad-ranging articles include topics such as atmospheric chemistry, biogeochemical cycles, boundary layers, clouds, general circulation, global change, mesoscale meteorology, ozone, radar, satellite remote sensing, and weather prediction An ideal resource for academia, government, and industry in the fields of atmospheric, ocean, and environmental sciences

Doppler radars provide unique 3D information about precipitating clouds in high spatial and temporal resolutions. However, the observed quantities (reflectivity, Doppler velocity and polarization properties) are not directly comparable to the variables of numerical prediction models. In order to enable radar data assimilation, a comprehensive modular radar forward operator has been developed.