Atmospheric Processes and Systems

This text presents an introduction to the atmosphere and the fundamentals of weather. Examining different aspects of the mass, energy and circulation systems observed in the atmosphere, it provides explained accounts of specific phenomena, including: the composition and structure of the atmosphere; energy transfers which take place in the atmosphere and at the earth's surface; the cycle of atmospheric water in terms of evaporation, condensation and precipitation; pressure and winds at the primary or global scale including upper atmosphere circulations and upper air/surface linkages; secondary air masses and fronts; thermal differences and weather disturbances. Each of the 16 chapters includes a detailed case study.