This book describes the methods used to construct general circulation models (GCMs) of the atmosphere, and how such models perform in applications relating to the real climate and environmental systems. Part 1 summarizes the physical processes involved; Part 2 covers atmospheric structures; Part 3 outlines basic steps for constructing GCMs. Includes an appendix with basic data and mathematical formulae to enable readers to construct GCMs for themselves.

Updated and revised, this second edition outlines theoretical concepts, simple models and numerical methods for modeling the general circulation of the atmosphere. New topics include the recent progress of high resolution global modeling, as well as aspects of high-resolution global nonhydrostatis models.