Cushman-Roisin B., Beckers J.-M. Introduction to Geophysical Fluid Dynamics. Physical and Numerical Aspects

2nd Ed. — Elsevier-Academic Press, New York, London, 2011. — 812 p. — ISBN: 978-0-12-088759-0 — (International Geophysics Series Vol. 101).On reading this wonderful text on Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (GFD) by Benoit Cushman-Roisin and Jean-Marie Beckers, Antoine de Saint-Exupeґry’s memorable quote regarding artful simplification seems very appropriate: In anything at all, perfection is finally attained not when there is no longer anything to add, but when there is no longer anything to take away.
Any scientific endeavor, particularly one that addresses a system as important and complex as the fluid earth, demands a hierarchy of approaches. One must not only strip away extraneous detail to expose what lies beneath, but also study the emergent behavior that results from the interaction of myriad components. Today, sophisticated computer models simulate virtual earths so comprehensively that even the effect of a cloud’s shadow cast on the ocean can be represented. Such models are used to synthesize observations, make projections about the vagaries of the weather or the likely future evolution of earth’s atmosphere and ocean under anthropogenic forcing.ForewordThe Coriolis Force
Equations of Fluid Motion
Equations Governing Geophysical Flows
Diffusive Processes
Transport and Fate
Geostrophic Flows and Vorticity Dynamics
The Ekman Layer
Barotropic Waves
Barotropic Instability
Stratification
Layered Models
Internal Waves
Turbulence in Stratified Fluids
Dynamics of Stratified Rotating Flows
Quasi-Geostrophic Dynamics
Instabilities of Rotating Stratified Flows
Fronts, Jets and Vortices
Atmospheric General Circulation
Oceanic General Circulation
Equatorial Dynamics
Data Assimilation
Apendix