Thermal Physics of the Atmosphere

Thermal Physics of the Atmosphere, Second Edition offers a concise and thorough introduction on how basic thermodynamics naturally leads to advanced topics in atmospheric physics. Chapters cover the basics of thermodynamics and its applications in atmospheric science and describe major applications, specifically more specialized areas of atmospheric physics, including vertical structure and stability, cloud formation and radiative processes. The book is fully revised, featuring informative sections on radiative transfer, thermodynamic cycles, the historical context to potential temperature concept, vertical thermodynamic coordinates, dewpoint temperature, the Penman equation, and entropy of moist air. This book is a necessary guide for students (graduate, advanced undergraduate, master's level) of atmospheric science, meteorology, climate science and researchers in these fields. Members of the Royal Meteorological Society are eligible for a 35% discount on all Developments in Weather and Climate Science series titles. See the RMetS member dashboard for the discount code. - Introduces a wide range of areas associated with atmospheric physics - Ideally suited for readers with a general physics background - Includes self-assessment questions in each chapter

Maarten Ambaum is professor of atmospheric physics and dynamics at the Department of Meteorology at the University of Reading, United Kingdom. He holds a degree in theoretical physics from the University of Utrecht, and a PhD from the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands. He has published on a wide range of topics in atmospheric science and fluid dynamics. He was on the editorial boards of the Journal of the Climate and the Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society.