This is an introductory textbook on global spectral modeling designed
for senior-level undergraduates and possibly for first-year graduate
students. This text starts with an introduction to elementary
finite-difference methods and moves on towards the gradual description
of sophisticated dynamical and physical models in spherical coordinates.
Computational aspects of the spectral transform method, the planetary
boundary layer physics, the physics of precipitation processes in
large-scale models, the radiative transfer including effects of
diagnostic clouds and diurnal cycle, the surface energy balance over
land and ocean, and the treatment of mountains are some issues that are
addressed. The topic of model initialization includes the treatment of
normal modes and physical processes. A concluding chapter covers the
spectral energetics as a diagnostic tool for model evaluation. This
revised second edition of the text also includes three additional
chapters. Chapter 11 deals with the formulation of a regional spectral
model for mesoscale modeling which uses a double Fourier expansion of
data and model equations for its transform. Chapter 12 deals with
ensemble modeling. This is a new and important area for numerical
weather and climate prediction. Finally, yet another new area that has
to do with adaptive observational strategies is included as Chapter 13.
It foretells where data deficiencies may reside in model from an
exploratory ensemble run of experiments and the spread of such
forecasts.
