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This series of upper-level texts and research monographs covers the physics and chemistry of different regions of the Earth's atmosphere, from the troposphere and stratosphere, up through the ionosphere and magnetosphere and out to the interplanetary medium. Recent scientific advances are presented along with reviews of our present understanding of a specific area. The resulting series as a whole represents a valuable reference work of our knowledge on topics ranging from the Earth's climate to geospace.

  • General Editors: Alexander J. Dessler, John T. Houghton, Michael J. Rycroft

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26 results in Cambridge Atmospheric and Space Science Series

Page 1 of 2

Physics of Partially Ionized Plasmas
  • Vinod Krishan
  • Published online:
    13 September 2017
    Print publication:
    09 May 2016
  • Plasma is one of the four fundamental states of matter; the other three being solid, liquid and gas. Several components, such as molecular clouds, diffuse interstellar gas, the solar atmosphere, the Earth's ionosphere and laboratory plasmas, including fusion plasmas, constitute the partially ionized plasmas. This book discusses different aspects of partially ionized plasmas including multi-fluid description, equilibrium and types of waves. The discussion goes on to cover the reionization phase of the universe, along with a brief description of high discharge plasmas, tokomak plasmas and laser plasmas. Various elastic and inelastic collisions amongst the three particle species are also presented. In addition, the author demonstrates the novelty of partially ionized plasmas using many examples; for instance, in partially ionized plasma the magnetic induction is subjected to the ambipolar diffusion and the Hall effect, as well as the usual resistive dissipation. Also included is an observation of kinematic dynamo in partially ionized plasmas.

Collisionless Shocks in Space Plasmas
  • Structure and Accelerated Particles
  • David Burgess, Manfred Scholer
  • Published online:
    05 August 2015
    Print publication:
    30 July 2015
  • Shock waves are an important feature of solar system plasmas, from the solar corona out to the edge of the heliosphere. This engaging introduction to collisionless shocks in space plasmas presents a comprehensive review of the physics governing different types of shocks and processes of particle acceleration, from fundamental principles to current research. Motivated by observations of planetary bow shocks, interplanetary shocks and the solar wind termination shock, it emphasises the physical theory underlying these shock waves. Readers will develop an understanding of the complex interplay between particle dynamics and the electric and magnetic fields that explains the observations of in situ spacecraft. Written by renowned experts in the field, this up-to-date text is the ideal companion for both graduate students new to heliospheric physics and researchers in astrophysics who wish to apply the lessons of solar system shocks to different astrophysical environments.

An Introduction to Space Plasma Complexity
  • Tom Tien Sun Chang
  • Published online:
    05 March 2015
    Print publication:
    09 March 2015
  • An Introduction to Space Plasma Complexity considers select examples of complexity phenomena related to observed plasma processes in the space environment, such as those pertaining to the solar corona, the interplanetary medium, and Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere. This book provides a guided tour of the ideas behind forced and/or self-organized criticality, intermittency, multifractals, and the theory of the dynamic renormalization group, with applications to space plasma complexity. There is much to be explored and studied in this relatively new and developing field. Readers will be able to apply the concepts and methodologies espoused in this introduction to their own research interests and activities.

The Arctic Climate System
  • 2nd edition
  • Mark C. Serreze, Roger G. Barry
  • Published online:
    05 August 2014
    Print publication:
    21 July 2014
  • This second edition brings this definitive book up to date with the many advances in our understanding of Arctic climate since the first edition was published in 2005. The book has also been extensively reorganized to weave issues of Arctic change throughout the text, rather than confining them to a single chapter. It is the first to provide an integrated assessment of the Arctic climate system, recognizing that a true understanding of how the Arctic functions lies in appreciating the interactions among its various components. The book begins with a historical perspective, followed by discussion of the basic physical and climatic characteristics of the Arctic. Following a review of past climates (paleoclimates), the book closes with an assessment of the Arctic's uncertain future. Though targeted mainly at advanced students and researchers, this book is accessible to anyone with an interest in the Arctic and a basic understanding of climate science.

Physics and Chemistry of the Upper Atmosphere
  • M. H. Rees
  • Published online:
    04 April 2011
    Print publication:
    25 August 1989
  • This textbook focuses on the physics and chemistry of the Earth's upper atmosphere, which is bounded at the bottom by a pressure level at which most of the incoming ionizing radiation has been absorbed, and bounded at the top by the level at which the escape of gas becomes important. The plan of the book is to identify the multitude of processes that operate in the upper atmosphere, and to relate them to observed phenomena by detailed mathematical and physical descriptions of the governing processes. Basic information from many disciplines such as radiation physics and chemistry, fluid dynamics, optics, and spectroscopy is skilfully marshalled to give a coherent account of the upper atmosphere. This book is outstanding as an introduction to the primary literature and current problems for students of physics or chemistry. The text is supported by numerous diagrams, bibliography and index.

Whistler and Alfvén Mode Cyclotron Masers in Space
  • V. Y. Trakhtengerts, M. J. Rycroft
  • Published online:
    02 May 2010
    Print publication:
    20 November 2008
  • The subject of wave-particle interactions occurring in space plasmas has developed strongly, both observationally and theoretically, since the discovery of the Van Allen radiation belts of energetic charged particles trapped in the Earth's magnetosphere over forty years ago. These wave-particle interactions are recognized today as being a most important research topic in space plasma physics. This book provides a full and systematic description of the physical theory of whistler and Alfvén cyclotron masers acting in planetary magnetospheres, and in the Sun's outer atmosphere. The book introduces research topics by examining significant problems in the subject. It gives sufficient detail on the topic that readers can go on to apply the methods presented to new problems, helping them with their own research. This book is a valuable reference for researchers and graduate students working in space science, solar-terrestrial physics, plasma physics, and planetary sciences.

The Solar-Terrestrial Environment
  • An Introduction to Geospace - the Science of the Terrestrial Upper Atmosphere, Ionosphere, and Magnetosphere
  • John Keith Hargreaves
  • Published online:
    29 January 2010
    Print publication:
    20 August 1992
  • This book describes physical conditions in the upper atmosphere and magnetosphere of the Earth. The account is introductory, at a level suitable for readers with a basic inderstanding of physics and explains the principles of physical investigation. The principal material covers the neutral and ionized upper atmosphere, the magnetosphere, and structures, dynamics, disturbances and irregularities. This textbook is suitable for advanced undergraduates and new postgraduates who are taking introductory courses in upper atmospheric, ionospheric, or magnetospheric physics.

Ionospheres
  • Physics, Plasma Physics, and Chemistry
  • 2nd edition
  • Robert Schunk, Andrew Nagy
  • Published online:
    22 January 2010
    Print publication:
    20 August 2009
  • This combination of text and reference book describes the physical, plasma and chemical processes controlling the behaviour of ionospheres, upper atmospheres and exospheres. It summarises the structure, chemistry, dynamics and energetics of the terrestrial ionosphere and other solar system bodies, and discusses the processes, mechanisms and transport equations for solving fundamental research problems. This second edition incorporates new results, model developments and interpretations from the last ten years. It includes the latest material on neutral atmospheres; the terrestrial ionosphere at low, middle and high latitudes; and planetary atmospheres and ionospheres, where results from recent space missions have yielded fresh data. Appendices outline physical constants, mathematical formulas, transport coefficients, and other important parameters for ionospheric calculations. This is an essential resource for researchers studying ionospheres, upper atmospheres, aeronomy and plasma physics. It is also an ideal textbook for graduate-level courses, with supplementary problem sets, and solutions for instructors at www.cambridge.org/9780521877060.

Ocean Atmosphere Interaction and Climate Modeling
  • Boris A. Kagan
  • Translated by Mikhail Hazin
  • Published online:
    15 January 2010
    Print publication:
    09 March 1995
  • This 1995 text is addressed to advanced students in oceanography, meteorology and environmental sciences, as well as to professional researchers in these fields. It aims to acquaint them with advances in experimental and theoretical investigations of ocean-atmosphere interactions, a rapidly developing field in earth sciences. Particular attention is paid to the scope and perspectives for satellite measurements and mathematical modeling. Approaches to the construction of coupled ocean-atmosphere models (from the simplest one-dimensional to the most comprehensive three-dimensional ones) for the solution of key problems in climate theory are discussed in detail. Field measurements and the results of numerical climate simulations are presented, to help understand the variability arising from various natural and anthropogenic factors.

Introduction to Circulating Atmospheres
  • I. N. James
  • Published online:
    14 January 2010
    Print publication:
    03 March 1994
  • This book gives an account of the modern view of the global circulation of the atmosphere. It brings the observed nature of the circulation together with theories and simple models of the mechanisms which drive it. Early chapters concentrate on the classical view of the global circulation, on the processes which generate atmospheric motions and on the dynamical constraints which modify them. Later chapters develop more recent themes including low frequency variability and the circulations of other planetary atmospheres. The book will be of interest to advanced students and researchers who wish for an introduction to the subject before engaging with the original scientific literature. The book is copiously illustrated, and includes many results of diagnostic and modelling studies. Each chapter includes a set of problems and bibliographical notes.

Ionospheres
  • Physics, Plasma Physics, and Chemistry
  • Robert W. Schunk, Andrew F. Nagy
  • Published online:
    06 January 2010
    Print publication:
    26 June 2000
  • Ionospheres provides a comprehensive description of the physical, plasma and chemical processes controlling the behavior of ionospheres. The relevant transport equations and related coefficients are derived in detail and their applicability and limitations are described. Relevant wave processes are outlined and important ion chemical processes and reaction rates are presented. The various energy deposition and transfer mechanisms are described in some detail, and a chapter is devoted to the various processes controlling the upper atmosphere and exosphere. The second half of the book presents our current understanding of the structure, chemistry, dynamics and energetics of the terrestrial ionosphere, and other solar system bodies. The final chapter describes ionospheric measurement techniques. The book will form a comprehensive and lasting reference for scientists interested in ionospheres, and it will also prove an ideal textbook for graduate students. It contains extensive student problem sets, and an answer book is available for instructors.

Radiative Transfer in the Atmosphere and Ocean
  • Gary E. Thomas, Knut Stamnes
  • Published online:
    18 December 2009
    Print publication:
    13 August 1999
  • This text provides a foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of radiative transfer, for advanced students of atmospheric, oceanic and environmental sciences. The transfer of solar and infrared radiation through optically-thick clouds, aerosol layer, and the oceanic mixed layer is presented through the use of heuristic models of scattering and absorption, and a systematic approach to formulation and solution of the radiative transfer equation. Problems such as the transmission of ultraviolet radiation through the atmosphere and ocean, remote sensing, solar heating and infrared cooling processes, UV biological dose rates, and greenhouse warming are solved using a variety of methods. This self-contained, systematic treatment will prepare students from a range of disciplines in problems concerning the effects of solar and infrared radiation on natural systems. The hardback edition received excellent reviews.

Antarctic Meteorology and Climatology
  • J. C. King, J. Turner
  • Published online:
    02 December 2009
    Print publication:
    26 June 1997
  • This book presents a comprehensive survey of the climatology and meteorology of Antarctica. The first section of the book reviews the methods by which we can observe the Antarctic atmosphere and presents a synthesis of climatological measurements. In the second section, the processes which maintain the observed climate are considered, from large-scale atmospheric circulation to small-scale processes. The final section reviews our knowledge of the variability of Antarctic climate and the possible effects of 'greenhouse' warming. Links between the Antarctic atmosphere, other elements of the Antarctic climate system (oceans, sea ice and ice sheets), and the global climate system are stressed throughout. This volume will be of greatest interest to meteorologists and climatologists with a specialist interest in Antarctica, but it will also appeal to researchers in Antarctic glaciology, oceanography and biology. Graduates and undergraduates studying physical geography, and the earth, atmospheric and environmental sciences will find much useful background material in the book.

The High-Latitude Ionosphere and its Effects on Radio Propagation
  • R. D. Hunsucker, J. K. Hargreaves
  • Published online:
    02 December 2009
    Print publication:
    31 October 2002
  • The physical properties of the ionized layer in the Earth's upper atmosphere enable us to use it to support an increasing range of communications applications. This book presents a modern treatment of the physics and phenomena of the high latitude upper atmosphere and the morphology of radio propagation in the auroral and polar regions. Chapters cover the basics of radio propagation and the use of radio techniques in ionospheric studies. Many investigations of high latitude radio propagation have previously only been published in Conference Proceedings and organizational reports. This book includes many examples of the behavior of quiet and disturbed high latitude HF propagation. Ample cross-referencing, chapter summaries and reference lists make this book an invaluable aid for graduate students, ionospheric physicists and radio engineers.

The Earth's Plasmasphere
  • J. F. Lemaire, K. I. Gringauz
  • With contributions by D. L. Carpenter and V. Bassolo
  • Published online:
    24 November 2009
    Print publication:
    28 January 1998
  • This is the first monograph to describe the historical development of ideas concerning the plasmasphere by the pioneering researchers themselves. The plasmasphere is a cold thermal plasma cloud encircling the Earth, terminating abruptly at a radial distance of 30,000 km over a sharp discontinuity known as the plasmapause. The volume commences with an account of the difficulties met in USSR by Gringauz to publish his early discoveries from Soviet rocket measurements, and the contemporaneous breakthroughs by Carpenter in the USA from ground-based whistler measurements. The authors then update our picture of the plasmasphere by presenting experimental and observational results of the past three decades, and mathematical and physical theories proposed to explain its formation. The volume will be invaluable for researchers in space physics, and will also appeal to those interested in the history of science.

Theory of Space Plasma Microinstabilities
  • S. Peter Gary
  • Published online:
    06 November 2009
    Print publication:
    16 September 1993
  • The ionized material that constitutes plasma permeates almost all of the universe beyond the planets and their atmospheres and satellites. This book describes the linear theory of many different waves and instabilities that may propagate in a collisionless plasma. Electrostatic and electromagnetic fluctuations, and a variety of instability sources are considered. Applications of the theory are discussed with respect to spacecraft observations in the solar wind, terrestrial magnetosheath, magnetosphere and magnetotail and at the bow shock and magnetopause. Tables at the end of most chapters summarize wave and instability nomenclature and properties, and problems for the reader to solve are interspersed throughout the text. Together these make this book of great value to both the student and research worker in space physics.

Inverse Problems in Atmospheric Constituent Transport
  • I. G. Enting
  • Published online:
    05 November 2009
    Print publication:
    20 June 2002
  • The critical role of trace gases in global atmospheric change makes an improved understanding of these gases imperative. Measurements of the distributions of these gases in space and time provide important information, but the interpretation of this information often involves ill-conditioned model inversions. A variety of techniques have therefore been developed to analyze these problems. Inverse Problems in Atmospheric Constituent Transport is the first book to give comprehensive coverage of work on this topic. The trace gas inversion problem is presented in general terms and the various different approaches are unified by treating the inversion problem as one of statistical estimation. Later chapters demonstrate the application of these methods to studies of carbon dioxide, methane, halocarbons and other gases implicated in global climate change. This book is aimed at graduate students and researchers embarking upon studies of global atmospheric change, biogeochemical cycles and Earth systems science.

Whistler-mode Waves in a Hot Plasma
  • Sergei Sazhin
  • Published online:
    30 October 2009
    Print publication:
    11 February 1993
  • The book provides an extensive theoretical treatment of whistler-mode propagation, instabilities and damping in a collisionless plasma. This book fills a gap between oversimplified analytical studies of these waves, based on the cold plasma approximation, and studies based on numerical methods. Although the book is primarily addressed to space plasma physicists and radio physicists, it will also prove useful to laboratory plasma physicists. Mathematical methods described in the book can be applied in a straightforward way to the analysis of other types of plasma waves. Problems included in this book, along with their solutions, allow it to be used as a textbook for postgraduate students.

Physics of Solar System Plasmas
  • Thomas E. Cravens
  • Published online:
    26 October 2009
    Print publication:
    28 September 1997
  • Physics of Solar System Plasmas provides a comprehensive introduction to the plasma physics and magnetohydrodynamics that are needed to study the solar wind and magnetosphere. The text includes a broad introduction to plasma physics, including important discussions of kinetic theory, single particle motion, magnetohydrodynamics, geomagnetically trapped energetic particles and the physics of magnetic reconnection. This leads into a thorough description of the Sun and the solar wind, and, finally, the author addresses magnetospheric physics. Among the topics covered here are magnetospheric morphology, bow shocks, magnetospheric convection and electrical currents, substorms, ionospheric physics, magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling, auroral physics and the interaction of the solar wind with the planets. Problem sets at the end of each chapter make this a useful text for advanced undergraduate students in astrophysics, geophysics, or atmospheric sciences. Graduate students and researchers will also find it a valuable source of information.

Basics of the Solar Wind
  • Nicole Meyer-Vernet
  • Published online:
    22 October 2009
    Print publication:
    18 January 2007
  • The Sun continually ejects matter into space, blowing a huge bubble of supersonic plasma. This solar wind bathes the whole solar system and shapes all planetary environments. The growth of space technology has considerably increased our knowledge of this medium. This 2007 book presents an introduction to the subject, starting with basic principles and including all the latest advances from space exploration and theory. It contains a short introduction to plasma physics and discusses the structure of the solar interior and atmosphere, the production of solar wind and its perturbations. It explains the objects of the Solar System, from dust to comets and planets, and their interaction with the solar wind. The final sections explore the astrophysical point of view. The topics are treated at various levels of difficulty both qualitatively and quantitatively. This book will appeal to graduate students and researchers in earth and atmospheric sciences, and astrophysics.

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