Microphysics of Clouds and Precipitation: 18 (Atmospheric and Oceanographic Sciences Library, 18) - Softcover

Pruppacher, H.R.; Klett, J.D.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 079234409X ISBN 13: 9780792344094

Publisher: Springer, 1996

Synopsis

Cloud physics has achieved such a voluminous literature over the past few decades that a significant quantitative study of the entire field would prove unwieldy. This book concentrates on one major aspect: cloud microphysics, which involves the processes that lead to the formation of individual cloud and precipitation particles. Common practice has shown that one may distinguish among the following addi­ tional major aspects: cloud dynamics, which is concerned with the physics respon­ sible for the macroscopic features of clouds; cloud electricity, which deals with the electrical structure of clouds and the electrification processes of cloud and precipi­ tation particles; and cloud optics and radar meteorology, which describe the effects of electromagnetic waves interacting with clouds and precipitation. Another field intimately related to cloud physics is atmospheric chemistry, which involves the chemical composition ofthe atmosphere and the life cycle and characteristics of its gaseous and particulate constituents. In view of the natural interdependence of the various aspects of cloud physics, the subject of microphysics cannot be discussed very meaningfully out of context. Therefore, we have found it necessary to touch briefly upon a few simple and basic concepts of cloud dynamics and thermodynamics, and to provide an account of the major characteristics of atmospheric aerosol particles. We have also included a separate chapter on some of the effects of electric fields and charges on the precipitation-forming processes.

About this title

Review:

Quotes from reviews of the first edition:
`There is little doubt that this impressive book will be of central importance to cloud physicists and scientists working in related fields.'
Nature
`This book no doubt will become a landmark in the realm of cloud physics, not only as an advanced textbook but also as a valuable reference. Its pages contain about as complete an exposition of current knowledge of the subject as one would hope to find anywhere.'
Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society
`The authors are to be congratulated for their stupendous achievement in creating this book.'
Advances in Colloid and Interface Science

Synopsis:

This book provides the most comprehensive treatment to date of the microphysical processes which lead to cloud and precipitation formation. Emphasis is placed on presenting a quantitative description of the various mechanisms (e.g. nucleation, diffusional growth and evaporation, collisional growth and breakup) which lead to the formation of cloud and precipitation particles, individually and in populations. The second edition of this highly acclaimed book has been extensively updated to incorporate new research reported in a large number of articles and dozens of books and conference proceedings published since the first edition.Some highlights include: a new chapter on cloud chemistry; improved statistical mechanics models for homogeneous and heterogeneous ice nucleation; better data on aerosol size distribution and on fundamental properties of water; new data and models for asymmetric flow past particles of various shapes and for drop oscillation and breakup; extended treatment of drop coalescence and particle collision cross-sections, including some new effects of turbulence; more complete simulations of stochastic growth; expanded treatment of growth modes of graupel, rime and hailstones; new field data and modelling concerning effects of electric fields and charges on cloud microphysics.

The book is directed primarily at undergraduate and graduate level students of cloud physics, as well as at specialists in the field of aerosol physics, cloud dynamics, climate modelling, air chemistry, air pollution, and weather modification.

About this edition

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 079234409X
• ISBN 13: 9780792344094
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 976