Interactions between waves and mean flows play a crucial role in understanding the long-term aspects of atmospheric and oceanographic modelling. Indeed, our ability to predict climate change hinges on our ability to model waves accurately. This book gives a modern account of the nonlinear interactions between waves and mean flows such as shear flows and vortices. A detailed account of the theory of linear dispersive waves in moving media is followed by a thorough introduction to classical wave–mean interaction theory. The author then extends the scope of the classical theory and lifts its restriction to zonally symmetric mean flows. The book is a fundamental reference for graduate students and researchers in fluid mechanics, and can be used as a text for advanced courses; it will also be appreciated by geophysicists and physicists who need an introduction to this important area in fundamental fluid dynamics and atmosphere-ocean science.

'Bühler's well-organized textbook is excellent in all the most important ways … Waves and Mean Flows presents its readers with a clearly written text that is comfortable to read.'

Source: Physics Today

'… this text is … the best existing source for a comprehensive introduction to the GLM theory. Many important concepts, such as the development of Lagrangian-mean divergence in divergence-free Eulerian flows, are explained with clarity, often through the use of elegant examples.'

R. M. Samelson - Oregon State University