The book explains the key notions and fundamental processes in the dynamics of the fluid envelopes of the Earth (transposable to other planets), and methods of their analysis, from the unifying viewpoint of rotating shallow-water model (RSW). The model, in its one- or two-layer versions, plays a distinguished role in geophysical fluid dynamics, having been used for around a century for conceptual understanding of various phenomena, for elaboration of approaches and methods, to be applied later in more complete models, for development and testing of numerical codes and schemes of data assimilations, and many other purposes. Principles of modelling of large-scale atmospheric and oceanic flows, and corresponding approximations, are explained and it is shown how single- and multi-layer versions of RSW arise from the primitive equations by vertical averaging, and how further time-averaging produces celebrated quasi-geostrophic reductions of the model. Key concepts of geophysical fluid dynamics are exposed and interpreted in RSW terms, and fundamentals of vortex and wave dynamics are explained in Part 1 of the book, which is supplied with exercises and can be used as a textbook. Solutions of the problems are available at Editorial Office by request. In-depth treatment of dynamical processes, with special accent on the primordial process of geostrophic adjustment, on instabilities in geophysical flows, vortex and wave turbulence and on nonlinear wave interactions follows in Part 2. Recently arisen new approaches in, and applications of RSW, including moist-convective processes constitute Part 3.
Shape and size of large-scale vortices: A generic fluid pattern in geophysical fluid dynamics
