Being trained as theoretical physicists (thesis on quantum field theory and elementary particles) switched to geophysical fluid dynamics (GFD) in early 1980s. Worked at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics (Moscow) on vortex dynamics, wave-vortex interactions and turbulence. After moving to France joined Laboratory of Dynamical Meteorology and got professorship at Paris VI. Teaching GFD for years. Last years lead research focused on fundamental problems in GFD. Much in this direction was done using the simplest conceptual rotating shallow water model or its multi-layer versions -reported in the book.