num_pages: 592
description: As the search for Earth-like exoplanets gathers pace in order to understand them we need comprehensive theories for how planetary atmospheres form and evolve. Written by two well-known planetary scientists this text explains the physical and chemical principles of atmospheric evolution and planetary atmospheres in the context of how atmospheric composition and climate determine a planet's habitability. The authors survey our current understanding of the atmospheric evolution and climate on Earth on other rocky planets within our Solar System and on planets far beyond. Incorporating a rigorous mathematical treatment they cover the concepts and equations governing a range of topics including atmospheric chemistry thermodynamics radiative transfer and atmospheric dynamics and provide an integrated view of planetary atmospheres and their evolution. This interdisciplinary text is an invaluable one-stop resource for graduate-level students and researchers working across the fields of atmospheric science geochemistry planetary science astrobiology and astronomy.
language: English
title: Atmospheric Evolution on Inhabited and Lifeless Worlds
publisher: Cambridge University Press