Exercises in Environmental Physics (2006)(en)(330s)

Valerio Faraoni9780387339122, 0387339124

This is the first book specifically devoted to exercises on the application of physics to describe the environment including human impact on it. It is a valuable tool for students to develop skills in the manipulation of physical concepts and methods while learning environmental science. The exercises are drawn from the author’s teaching experience and the need for stimulating practice problems in various environmental physics courses. A chapter on mathematical methods used in the book supplements the material.

---

Table of contents :
Cover Page……Page 1
Title Page……Page 3
ISBN 0387339124……Page 4
Contents (with page links)……Page 6
Dedication……Page 5
Preface……Page 9
Acknowledgments……Page 12
1. MATHEMATICAL METHODS……Page 13
1.1 Complex numbers……Page 14
1.2.1 Differentiation……Page 18
1.2.2 Integration……Page 22
1.2.3 Maxima, minima, and graphs……Page 26
1.3.1 Solution methods……Page 36
1.3.2 Qualitative analysis……Page 45
1.4.1 Differentiation……Page 49
1.4.2 Integration……Page 52
1.5 Vector calculus……Page 57
1.6 Partial differential equations……Page 68
1.7 Tensors……Page 81
1.8 Dimensional analysis……Page 85
2. PLANET EARTH IN SPACE……Page 93
2.1 Astronomy……Page 94
2.2 Planet Earth……Page 99
3. OCEAN AND ATMOSPHERIC PHYSICS……Page 115
3.1 The blue planet……Page 116
3.2 Oceanic circulation……Page 119
3.3 Ocean waves……Page 127
3.4 General features of the atmosphere……Page 134
3.5 Temperature and pressure……Page 140
3.6 Atmospheric circulation……Page 142
3.7 Precipitation……Page 144
4. ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION AND RADIOACTIVITY……Page 151
4.1 The electromagnetic spectrum……Page 152
4.2 Blackbody radiation……Page 154
4.3 Propagation of electromagnetic radiation……Page 159
4.4 Greenhouse effect……Page 168
4.5 Electromagnetic radiation and human health……Page 173
4.6 Environmental spectroscopy……Page 176
4.6.1 Quantum mechanics……Page 177
4.6.2 Vibrational and rotational levels of molecules……Page 181
4.7 Radioactivity……Page 185
5. ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT……Page 195
5.1.1 Storage and transport……Page 196
5.1.2 Transportation and vehicles……Page 201
5.1.3 Eolic energy……Page 202
5.2 Heat transfer……Page 208
5.3 Thermodynamics……Page 226
5.4 Electricity……Page 231
6.1 Liquids……Page 235
6.1.1 Fluid statics……Page 236
6.1.2 Capillarity and surface tension……Page 243
6.1.3 Fluid dynamics……Page 247
6.2 Gases……Page 256
7. EVAPOTRANSPIRATION, SOILS, AND HYDROLOGY……Page 263
7.1 Phase transitions, hygrometry, and evapotranspiration……Page 264
7.2 Soil physics……Page 274
7.3 Groundwater hydrology……Page 288
8. POLLUTION……Page 299
8.1 Transport equations……Page 300
8.2 Water pollution……Page 308
8.3 Air pollution……Page 319
A. Physical constants……Page 327
B. Mathematical identities……Page 331
C. Differential operators in various coordinate systems……Page 333
REFERENCES……Page 335
D……Page 339
M……Page 340
T……Page 341
Z……Page 342