Description: Combining rigorous theory with practical application, this book provides a unified and detailed account of the fundamental equations governing atmospheric and oceanic fluid flow on which global, quantitative models of weather and climate prediction are founded. It lays the foundation for more accurate models by making fewer approximations and imposing dynamical and thermodynamical consistency, moving beyond the assumption that the Earth is perfectly spherical. A general set of equations is developed in a standard notation with clearly stated assumptions, limitations, and important properties. Some exact, non-linear solutions are developed to promote further understanding and for testing purposes. This book contains a thorough consideration of the fundamental equations for atmospheric and oceanic models, and is therefore invaluable to both theoreticians and numerical modellers. It also stands as an accessible source for reference purposes.
Brief description: Andrew N. Staniforth - now retired - led the development of dynamical cores for weather and climate prediction at two national centres (Canada and the UK). He has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, and is the recipient of various prizes and awards including: the Editor's Award (American Meteorological Society, 1990); the Andrew Thompson Prize (Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society, 1993); and the Buchan and Adrian Gill Prizes (Royal Meteorological Society, 2007 and 2009).
Review Quotes: 'Andrew Staniforth has produced a comprehensive and insightful book on the mathematical foundation of global atmosphere and oceanic modelling. For different geophysical fluid applications, he guides us masterfully from the first principles of fluid physics to their evolution equations. The book covers all the fundamental aspects of these equations including conservation laws and exact nonlinear solutions. This brilliant book is ideal for introducing graduate students to the subject matter as much as it is relevant for experts as a reference book.' Gilbert Brunet, Bureau of Meteorology, Melbourne