An Introduction to Global Spectral Modeling - (Atmospheric and Oceanographic Sciences Library) 2nd Edition (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This is an introductory textbook on global spectral modeling designed for senior-level undergraduates and possibly for first-year graduate students. This text starts with an introduction to elementary finite-difference methods and moves on towards the gradual description of sophisticated dynamical and physical models in spherical coordinates. Computational aspects of the spectral transform method, the planetary boundary layer physics, the physics of precipitation processes in large-scale models, the radiative transfer including effects of diagnostic clouds and diurnal cycle, the surface energy balance over land and ocean, and the treatment of mountains are some issues that are addressed. The topic of model initialization includes the treatment of normal modes and physical processes. A concluding chapter covers the spectral energetics as a diagnostic tool for model evaluation. This revised second edition of the text also includes three additional chapters. Chapter 11 deals with the formulation of a regional spectral model for mesoscale modeling which uses a double Fourier expansion of data and model equations for its transform. Chapter 12 deals with ensemble modeling. This is a new and important area for numerical weather and climate prediction. Finally, yet another new area that has to do with adaptive observational strategies is included as Chapter 13. It foretells where data deficiencies may reside in model from an exploratory ensemble run of experiments and the spread of such forecasts.

From the Back Cover

Numerical weather prediction is receiving increased attention as weather forecasters aim to improve the numerical models used to forecast the weather. This is a textbook on global spectral modeling, which is an important component for global weather forecasts at numerous operational centers. This book covers all areas of model development including numerical analysis, treatment of clouds, mountains, radiation, precipitation processes, and the surface layers over land and the ocean. The objectives of this book are to provide a systematic and sequential background for students, researchers, and operational weather forecasters in order to develop comprehensive weather forecast models. This is designed for a one semester introductory graduate level course on weather prediction methodologies. As a prerequisite it requires a basic background in meteorology, applied mathematics, and numerical analysis.

Review Quotes

James Russell Carr in Mathematical Geology, Vol. 31, No. 8, 1999 on the book's first edition:

In summary, the mathematical treatment is quite intense and demands patience of readers, at least in the case of this one. But if at all intrigued by how sophisticated weather forecasting has become (certainly strom forecasting) then a reader will find this book not only interesting, but thorough enough to enable model development if that is a goal. Problems are presneted at the end of each chapter, so this book can be used as a texct in the class room. Reserachers involved in the modeling of turbulence, ocean systems and tectonic systems may also value the presentation of this book.

About the Author

T.N. Krishnamurti is professor of meteorology at Florida State University. He obtained his PhD in 1959 at the University of Chicago. His research interests are in the following areas: high resolution hurricane forecast (tracks, landfall, and intensity), monsoon forecasts on short, medium range, and monthly time scale and studies of interseasonal and interannual variability of the tropical atmosphere. As a participant in the meteorology team in tropical field projects, he has been responsible for the acquisition and analysis of meteorological data, which extends over most of the tropical atmosphere over several years and is now being assembled and analyzed. These data are unique; it is unlikely that a meteorological data record will be available for decades. Phenomenological interests include hurricanes, monsoons, jet streams, and the meteorology of arid zones.

H.S. Bedi is affiliated with Florida State University.

V.M. Hardiker is a research associate at Florida State University.

L. Ramaswamy is a graduate research assistant in the Department of Meteorology at Florida State University.