Geophysics and Environmental Physics – serie

This book is about abiotic selection in Earth surface systems. It demonstrates that seemingly purposeful or goal-oriented phenomena in Earth's processes actually emerge from selection dynamics. While many think of selection in the context of biological evolution, it extends to abiotic processes crucial in understanding Earth's function and evolution. The author delineates four forms of geophysical selection: gradient, resistance, network, and thermodynamic. These selections manifest in various natural systems, from fluid flows shaping landscapes to the efficient transport of mass and energy. The book acknowledges the interplay of geophysical and ecological processes, employing them as pedagogical tools. Structured with an introduction to abiotic selection and its context, the book delves into the application of key principles—such as thermodynamics and flow dynamics—to Earth surface systems. Each subsequent chapter examines one of the four types of selection, featuring diverse real-world examples from climate dynamics to oceanography.Geared toward researchers, graduate students, and practitioners in fields such as geophysics, geology, geography, hydrology, and ecosystem sciences, it also appeals to those interested in evolutionary thinking beyond traditional life sciences.

This book presents High-Frequency Radars (HFR), extensively utilized for monitoring ocean surface currents and sea state along coastal regions. It serves as a comprehensive synthesis of essential principles underlying HFR, catering to readers without specialized expertise in any particular aspect. The first part of the book elucidates the principles and techniques necessary for interpreting radar signals in relation to ocean currents. Following this, the second part explores the physical mechanisms governing the propagation and scattering of electromagnetic waves across the ocean surface. Lastly, the third part offers practical examples and applications of HFR drawn from everyday practice. Tailored primarily for graduate students, and researchers in geophysics and oceanography, this book provides a comprehensive understanding of HFR technology and its utilization.

This book provides a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the physics involved in the formation of precipitation in the Earth's atmosphere. It begins by emphasizing the significance of precipitation in the Earth system and climate. Cloud physics is incorporated to provide readers with the essential physical background necessary to understand the process of hydrometeor formation within clouds. Subsequently, the intricate structure of precipitation systems is elucidated, aiding readers in comprehending the mesoscale and synoptic characteristics of precipitation organization. The book concludes with a section on precipitation observation and measurements, which examines various sensors, such as gauges, radars, satellites, and platforms. These networks enable access to global precipitation data for meteorology and climate analysis. Designed to meet the needs of graduate and PhD students in fields such as geophysics, meteorology, climate science, hydrology, environmental sciences, water management, and geography, this book is also valuable for researchers and professionals from diverse disciplines who require a solid understanding of precipitation products for their work. Although the book requires a fundamental understanding of classical physics (including dynamics, thermodynamics, electricity, and magnetism), as well as a basic grasp of inorganic chemistry, its content remains accessible and informative for readers with diverse levels of expertise.

This second edition of Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) has been meticulously updated to enhance its clarity and relevance. Responding to the growing popularity of DOAS techniques, this edition expands the sections on atmospheric radiative transfer, covering new and crucial topics such as the ring effect and profile inversion techniques. Additionally, the book presents a comprehensive array of DOAS applications and techniques, ranging from research applications using imaging and satellite DOAS to emission monitoring from volcanoes and industrial facilities by LED long-path DOAS, as well as mobile MAX-DOAS and Cavity-Enhanced DOAS. The discussion of DOAS retrieval algorithms has significantly broadened to incorporate the latest developments, particularly pertinent to the satellite community.The first part of the book provides a thorough review of atmospheric chemistry, radiation transport, and optical spectroscopy fundamentals, serving as a crucial foundation for a detailed exploration of the principles underpinning DOAS. The subsequent part delves into the design, application, and assessment of DOAS instruments, accompanied by a comprehensive guide to result interpretation. The book also embraces the application of DOAS in imaging trace gas distributions through ground, aircraft, and satellite-based instruments.Structured with the needs of graduate students and researchers with a foundational background in environmental physics in mind, this book serves as an invaluable resource. It particularly caters to researchers engaged in atmospheric chemistry, pollution monitoring, and volcanology.