Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry

by Daniel Jacob

Atmospheric chemistry is one of the fastest growing fields in the earth sciences. Until now, however, there has been no book designed to help students capture the essence of the subject in a brief course of study. Daniel Jacob, a leading researcher and teacher in the field, addresses that problem by presenting the first textbook on atmospheric chemistry for a one-semester course. Based on the approach he developed in his class at Harvard, Jacob introduces students in clear and concise chapters to the fundamentals as well as the latest ideas and findings in the field.


Jacob's aim is to show students how to use basic principles of physics and chemistry to describe a complex system such as the atmosphere. He also seeks to give students an overview of the current state of research and the work that led to this point. Jacob begins with atmospheric structure, design of simple models, atmospheric transport, and the continuity equation, and continues with geochemical cycles, the greenhouse effect, aerosols, stratospheric ozone, the oxidizing power of the atmosphere, smog, and acid rain. Each chapter concludes with a problem set based on recent scientific literature. This is a novel approach to problem-set writing, and one that successfully introduces students to the prevailing issues.


This is a major contribution to a growing area of study and will be welcomed enthusiastically by students and teachers alike.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[prag ♻]

need to not fail my stupid goodreads challenge

[Scottw.yee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reading this book was possibly the worst experience of my entire life.

[Sadie Decoste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rich and useful textbook, but not great for students who don't have a strong background in chemistry and physics.

[Amy Hendricks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, this book did a decent job of getting through the difficult subject of Atmospheric Chemistry. As an atmospheric scientist, I was dreading having to take a chemistry course. However, Mr. Jacob made sure to accommodate those coming from a non-chemistry background. The problems were difficult but doable if you read the chapter, but the supplementary problems seemed more directed at those with a chemistry background. Not heavy reading - great for an introductory into the subject.

[Peregrine]

Our instructor gave us access to the author's updated, currently-unpublished edition and I haven't read the old version but I feel like this new one is not any better...definitely one of those textbooks where the author's writing ability can't keep pace with their in-field knowledge