Microphysics Of Atmospheric Phenomena | Boris M. Smirnov

Microphysics of Atmospheric Phenomena | Boris M. Smirnov

Relates elementary processes to globally measured atmospheric parameters to provide a deeper understanding of atmospheric processes and phenomena

Analyzes the chain of processes of atmospheric electricity as a secondary phenomenon of water circulation in the atmosphere

Explores the fundamental atmospheric constituents contributing to the greenhouse effect

Also suitable as a textbook for students of meteorology and atmospheric physics

INTRODUCTION

This book investigates elementary processes in the Earth’s atmosphere involving photons, electrons, ions, radicals, and aerosols. It is based on global atmospheric models such as the standard atmospheric model with averaged atmospheric parameters across the globe and over time, the Earth’s energetic balance, and the global electric circuit that allows to analyze fundamental atmospheric properties to be analyzed. Rate constants of elementary processes in the Earth’s atmosphere, together with measured atmospheric parameters and existing concepts of atmospheric phenomena, are used in the analysis of global and local atmospheric processes. Atmospheric photoprocesses result from the interaction of solar radiation with the atmosphere and processes involving ions, oxygen atoms, excited atomic particles and ozone molecules. Atmospheric electricity as a secondary phenomenon to atmospheric water circulation results in a chain of processes that begins with collisions of water aerosols in different aggregate states. Cosmic rays are of importance for atmospheric electricity, as they create positive and negative ions in the air. Air breakdown in an electric field of clouds in the form of lightning may develop under the influence of cosmic ray-created seed electrons, which are necessary for electron multiplication in ionization wave-streamers. The upper atmosphere (ionosphere) is formed under solar radiation in a vacuum ultraviolet spectrum, and absorption of this radiation leads to air photoionization. The greenhouse effect is determined by atmospheric water, whereas transitions between a water vapor and aerosols may lead to a change in atmospheric optical depth. Carbon dioxide contributes in small portions to the atmospheric greenhouse effect. Cosmic rays are of importance for atmospheric discharge, the origin of lightning and cloud formation in the first stage of aerosol growth. This book provides a qualitative description of atmospheric properties and phenomena based on elementary processes and simple models.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Front Matter
Pages i-ix
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Introduction
Boris M. Smirnov
Pages 1-5
Fundamentals of Atmosphere and Atmospheric Processes

Front Matter
Pages 7-7
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Properties of Neutral Atmosphere
Boris M. Smirnov
Pages 9-33
Charged Particles in Atmosphere
Boris M. Smirnov
Pages 35-57
Electric Processes in Atmosphere
Boris M. Smirnov
Pages 59-85

Elementary and Transport Atmospheric Processes

Front Matter
Pages 87-87
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Electron Processes in Atmospheric Air
Boris M. Smirnov
Pages 89-114
Ion Processes in Atmospheric Air
Boris M. Smirnov
Pages 115-142
Processes in Dissociated Air
Boris M. Smirnov
Pages 143-158
Atmospheric Processes Involving Aerosols
Boris M. Smirnov
Pages 159-188

Radiative Processes in the Earth Atmosphere

Front Matter
Pages 189-189
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Photoionization of Atmospheric Processes
Boris M. Smirnov
Pages 191-204
Infrared Atmospheric Emission
Boris M. Smirnov
Pages 205-234
Local Atmospheric Photoprocesses
Boris M. Smirnov
Pages 235-245
Conclusion
Boris M. Smirnov
Pages 247-249

Back Matter
Pages 251-270
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