This comprehensive text and reference work on numerical weather prediction covers for the first time, not only methods for numerical modeling, but also the important related areas of data assimilation and predictability. It incorporates all aspects of environmental computer modeling including an historical overview of the subject, equations of motion and their approximations, a modern and clear description of numerical methods, and the determination of initial conditions using weather observations (an important new science known as data assimilation). Finally, this book provides a clear discussion of the problems of predictability and chaos in dynamical systems and how they can be applied to atmospheric and oceanic systems. Professors and students in meteorology, atmospheric science, oceanography, hydrology and environmental science will find much to interest them in this book, which can also form the basis of one or more graduate-level courses.* A much-needed update in the subject of atmospheric modeling * Emphasis is on clear and intuitive descriptions of the basic concepts with simple examples and excellent schematic figures * The introductory chapter is complete in itself and can form the basis of an undergraduate course on numerical weather forecasting with use of few equations * The chapters on numerical methods, data assimilation and predictability are also stand-alone and can constitute the basis for a full graduate course