vbid/9783319308135

Description

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.��Typham this is the title: Microphysics of Atmospheric Phenomena