An Introduction to Atmospheric Thermodynamics [Paperback]

Anastasios A. Tsonis (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521796768 | ISBN-13: 978-0521796767 | Publication Date: May 6, 2002

An Introduction to Atmospheric Thermodynamics is a self-contained, concise but rigorous book introducing the reader to the basics of the subject. Introductory chapters provide basic definitions and some useful mathematical and physical notes. Following a treatment of the fundamental laws of classical thermodynamics, the book describes topics including the properties of moist air and atmospheric stability. Thermodynamic diagrams are used as tools in the forecasting of storm development. In the final chapter the author introduces the problem of weather prediction and the relevance of thermodynamics.

Editorial Reviews

Review

' ... Tsonis does an excellent job. ... the book certainly achieves its aim of a clear, concise and well-presented introduction to atmospheric thermodynamics and I would recommend it as ideal as a teaching resource.' Weather

'... a handy reference for many of the basic concepts ...' EOS

'... the author talks to the students without sacrificing rigor. he has included many good examples at the end of each chapter; these examples are, so to speak, application notes ... problems are given too, to tease and torture the students. in general, the pace is unhurried and unforbidding.' Bulletin of American Meteorological Society

'Overall this text has the potential to be a future classic for atmospheric thermodynamics.' Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society

Book Description

A concise but rigorous introduction to atmospheric thermodynamics, ideal as a text for a one-semester undergraduate course. Introductory chapters provide basic definitions, and some useful mathematical and physical notes, building up to topics including the properties of moist air and atmospheric stability. The final chapter introduces the problem of weather prediction. This book is the result of 15 years of teaching, and presents theory and practical examples in a succinct and clear way.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 182 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (May 6, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521796768
• ISBN-13: 978-0521796767
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #921,164 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An atmospheric thermodynamics book that covers the basics, December 20, 2007

By 

JAMES D MEANS (Alpine, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Introduction to Atmospheric Thermodynamics (Paperback)

I've only glanced at the second edition of this book, but it was enough to notice that one of the examples from the first edition (in the section on Gay-Lussac's Law) has made it into the second edition, despite the author being informed that it was incorrect. It's an example about a house being heated in winter and the pressure difference that could be expected between the inside and outside. Luckily, it's always very close to zero pressure difference between the inside and outside, but the author comes up with 7.3%!! and glosses over it with the statement that window glass "can withstand such pressure changes easily." I have my doubts about that, but I do know that I don't want to be standing outside the front door if it's got that sort of pressure difference on it, since it amounts to about 3000 pounds pushing outward!

The book is a decent treatment of atmospheric thermodynamics otherwise, but it would be nice if the real applications to the atmosphere could be arrived at sooner, and covered in more detail. Most texts ignore the common stability indices that are used in forecasting, and this one is no exception, despite the fact that they've been in use for decades.