This textbook presents a uniquely integrated approach in linking both physics and chemistry to the study of atmospheric thermodynamics. The book explains the classical laws of thermodynamics, focuses on various fluid systems, and, recognizing the increasing importance of chemistry in the meteorological and climate sciences, devotes a chapter to chemical thermodynamics which includes an overview of photochemistry. Although students are expected to have some background knowledge of calculus, general chemistry and classical physics, the book provides set-aside refresher boxes as useful reminders. It contains over 100 diagrams and graphs to supplement the discussions, and a similar number of worked examples and exercises, with solutions included at the end of the book. It is ideal for a single-semester advanced course on atmospheric thermodynamics, and will prepare students for higher-level synoptic and dynamics courses.
I was trained as a physicist (BS, 1960, U of Tenn; PhD, 1966, U of Wisconsin), taught physics at University of Missouri-St. Louis, moving to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for 8 years before coming to Texas A&M in 1986 in the Dept of Atmospheric Sciences. So now I am a climate scientist, but mostly a pedagog. http://atmo.tamu.edu/profile/GNorth
I am married to Laura and have five children and two grandchildren.
I spend all of my time with family or reading books. I read all kinds of books: classics of American, English and Russian (in translation) literature. I love Russian history from Medieval to present. I also read history, physics, math, statistics, and just about anything. I try to read such things as philosophy, especially of knowledge and science. I like the American Pragmatists and the way they think, but I think I am more of a realist along the lines of Quine (to the extent that I understand him). I am fortunate to have travelled extensively, four times to the old USSR, four times to Japan, twice to Korea and Taiwan, most of the European countries multiple times.
I am in a book club at Texas A&M called the NAR, which is about 40 years running. We read all kinds of nonfiction books. Most recently Lords of Finance and next, The Origin of Stories.
