Physics Science

This is not only my favorite book in GFD, but perhaps my favorite book on fluid dynamics. It doesn’t sacrifice mathematical accuracy, but manages to stick to physical processes a bit more than other GFD monographs. The first chapter manages to bring together fluid dynamics and thermodynamics in a simple and convincing way that is not often discussed. It also spends a lot of time on the real meaning of potential vorticity, trying to get beyond the cryptic derivation of the conservation law. Later chapters provide lucid discussions of topics such as the issue of balanced dynamics, baroclinic instability, oceanic basin flow, and even a bit of thermocline theory. The second half of the book is focused on geophysical turbulence and Hamiltonian dynamics, neither of which is really discussed anywhere else in an introductory manner. For these two subjects, this is probably as good an introduction as you’re ever going to find.

There are no exercises, so this is more of a monograph than a textbook. And because there is such attention to mathematical detail, it is probably not the best place to start your education. But I would encourage anyone who seeks a deeper knowledge of GFD to read this book.
Rating: 5 / 5