Giant Planets of Our Solar System

• Formation of the giant planets.- Evolution processes in outer planet atmospheres.- Vertical structure of temperature, composition, and clouds.- Dynamical processes.- Radiative transfer processes in outer planetary atmospheres.- Sources of remotely sensed data on the giant planets.- Future of giant planet observations.

"Irwin […] has done an outstanding job of presenting material geared to upper-division undergraduates and beginning graduate students." (J.R. Kraus (University of Denver), Choice Feb. 2004)From the reviews of the second edition:"The atmospheres of the four major outer planets involves somewhat different physical processes … . present a summary of current scientific knowledge of both the structure and the dynamics of these atmospheres, moving from the nature of the core to the details of the transfer of radiation and energy in the atmospheres. … The presentation is made more understandable by Irwin’s thoughtful word descriptions of the relevant theoretical considerations and by the useful illustrations. … Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students, researchers/faculty, and professionals." (D. E. Hogg, Choice, Vol. 46 (11), 2009)