This textbook introduces fundamental dynamics of tropical atmosphere and ocean useful for
advanced graduate courses in atmospheric and climate sciences. It presents an overview of
simple atmospheric and oceanic models as well as the observed phenomena associated with major
climate modes in the tropics. It provides students with an up-to-date understanding of the
dynamics of tropical climate and weather phenomena. A particular focus is given to scale
interactions and atmosphere-ocean interactions associated with tropical mean climate (such as
ITCZ asymmetry and annual cycles) synoptic-scale variability (such as synoptic wave trains
easterly waves and tropical cyclones) intraseasonal oscillations (such as Madden-Julian
Oscillation and boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation) and interannual variability (such as
El Niño-Southern Oscillation and Indian Ocean Dipole). Theoretical and conceptual models are
presented for better understanding of physical mechanisms behind the observational phenomena.
This book aims to motivate graduate students in atmospheric sciences and oceanography by
providing them with the key methods and tools necessary to conduct research.
