Numerical Methods for Wave Equations in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics [Hardcover]

Dale R. Durran (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0387983767 | ISBN-13: 978-0387983769 | Publication Date: November 25, 1998 | Edition: 1

Covering a wide range of techniques, this book describes methods for the solution of partial differential equations which govern wave propagation and are used in modeling atmospheric and oceanic flows. The presentation establishes a concrete link between theory and practice.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a thorough and well-organized treatment of numerical methods for nonlinear wave PDE's in fluid dynamics." -- SIAM review Vol. 42, NO. 4, pp. 739-768

"...delivers a clear perspective on how to approximate the advection equations that are the basis of fluid dynamics..." -- SIAM review Vol. 42, No. 4, pp. 739-768

From the Publisher

This is a well-written and interesting book on the numerical methods for nonlinear waves, concetrating on the atmospheric and oceanic sciences. It fills a real niche in the market. Lecturers and researchers in math, computer science, and geophysical sciences wanting an introduction to the numerical methods used in waves should be interested in this book.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 470 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (November 25, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0387983767
• ISBN-13: 978-0387983769
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,529,571 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

My first effort in mathematical modeling was a simulation of the global economy conducted as a senior project in the Mathematics Department at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1974. I continued my education at UC Berkeley (MS in Mathematics) and MIT (Ph.D in Meteorology). Both before and after obtaining my Ph.D, I did lots of modeling of atmospheric flows at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder Colorado. I have been teaching at the university level since 1983 and am currently the chairman of the Atmospheric Sciences Department at the University of Washington and an adjunct professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great textbook!, March 14, 2000

By 

duwanoumibeya (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Numerical Methods for Wave Equations in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (Hardcover)

In this introductory text space is equally divided into traditional methods (finite difference and spectral) and more modern methods (finite volume and semi-Lagrangian) for solving GFD-related PDEs. The book also contains chapters on filtering of physically insignificant fast waves and on open boundary conditions. Arguably these subjects can be learned by studying a collection of specialty books, but very seldom one finds even-handed treatment of all major techniques in a single book like this. More important, the breadth in scope does not come at the cost of depth or conciseness in presentation. Rather, the book achieves a delightful balance between breadth and depth, as well as between theory and practice. Not only is it an important successer to the long-respected Haltiner and Williams (1984), but it is much more readable.

I used the book to teach a graduate course on numerical methods at the University of Chicago. I could not cover the entire book in a 10-week quarter, but was able to cover chapters 2,3,4 and 5. The clearly written text was very helpful in organizing the class material.

The problems sets at the end of each chapter are also well designed, albeit mostly theoretical. It would be helpful to have separate programming assignments based on these problems, so students can learn how to apply principles into practice.