Marshall J., Plumb R.A. Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate Dynamics: An Introductory Text

International Geophysics Series, 2008, Volume 93. Elsevier-Academic Press, New York, London, 2008. – 344 pp.
This is an introductory text on the circulation of the atmosphere and ocean, with an emphasis on global scales. It has been written for undergraduate students who have no prior knowledge of meteorology and oceanography or training in fluid mechanics. We believe that the text will also be of use to beginning graduate students in the field of atmospheric, oceanic, and climate science. By the end of the book we hope that readers will have a good grasp of what the atmosphere and ocean look like on the large scale, and, through application of the laws of mechanics and thermodynamics, why they look like they do. We will also place our observations and understanding of the present climate in the context of how climate has evolved and changed over Earth’s history.Outline, scope, and rationale of the book.
Characteristics of the atmosphere.
The global energy balance.
The vertical structure of the atmosphere.
Convection.
The meridional structure of the atmosphere.
The equations of fluid motion.
Balanced flow.
The general circulation of the atmosphere.
The ocean and its circulation.
The wind-driven circulation.
The thermohaline circulation of the ocean.
Climate and climate variability.
Appendices.
Textbooks and reviews. Other references. References to paleo-data sources. Index.