Emanuel, Kerry A. : Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Summary
This graduate-level meteorology text and reference provides a scientifically rigorous description of the many
types of convective circulations in the Earth's atmosphere. These range from small-scale, convectively driven turbulences
in the boundary layer to precipitating systems covering many thousands of square kilometers. The text introduces
the principal techniques used in understanding and predicting convective motion: theory, field experiment, and
numerical modelling. Part I explores dry convection, including turbulent plumes and thermals from isolated buoyancy
sources, Raleigh-Benard convection, and turbulent convection in the planetary boundary layer. Emphasis is placed
on applying theoretical understanding and lessons from experiments. Part II offers a complete treatment of the
thermodynamics of moist and cloudy air, including fundamental laws, conserved quantities, graphical techniques,
and stability. Part III explores the characteristics of individual convective clouds, thunderstorms, squall lines,
mesoscale convective systems, and slantwise convection. Part IV studies the ensemble effects of convective clouds,
including stratocumulus at trade cumulus boundary layers and the representation of convective clouds in numerical
models. Each chapter is followed by a set of exercises.
Table of Contents
Part I: Dry Convection
1. General Principles
2. Convection from Local Sources
3. Global Convection: The Rayleigh-Benard Problem and Dry Convective Boundary Layers
7. Observed Characteristics of Nonprecipitating Cumuli
8. Theory of Mixing in Cumulus Clouds
9. Observed Characteristics of Precipitating Convection
10. Numerical Modeling of Convective Clouds
11. Dynamics of Precipitating Convection
12. Slantwise Convection
Part IV: Global Moist Convection
13. Stratocumulus and Trade-Cumulus Boundary Layers
14. Deep Convective Regimes
15. Interaction of Convection with Large-scale Flows
16. Cumulus Representations in Numerical Models
