Overview
Using everyday occurrences to illustrate meteorology and climatology, this first-rate reference works together with inspired technology tutorials to engage readers in learning about atmospheric behavior. Dynamic illustrations from the book come to life in the fully integrated website, where a narrator guides users through animated tutorials, video footage and satellite loops of atmospheric phenomena. Climate change science is updated and folded into atmospheric science coverage throughout the new edition to provide a report of scientific consensus and currency. This includes the findings presented in the fourth assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as well as how the members of the panel reached their conclusions.Composition and Structure of the Atmosphere; Solar Radiation and the Seasons; Energy Balance and Temperature; Atmospheric Pressure and Wind; Atmospheric Moisture; Cloud Development and Forms; Precipitation Processes.
Atmospheric Circulation and Pressure Distributions; Air Masses and Fronts; Mid-Latitude Cyclones; Lightning, Thunder, and Tornadoes; Tropical Storms and Hurricanes; Weather Forecasting and Analysis; Human Effects: Air Pollution and Heat Islands; Earth's Climates; Climate Changes: Past and Future; Atmospheric Optics.
A useful reference for anyone who wants to learn more about Earth’s climate and weather.
Synopsis
The book emphasizes a non-mathematical understanding of physical principles as a vehicle for learning about atmospheric processes. Additionally, difficult-to-visualize topics are reinforced with a series of software tutorials presented on a CD-ROM packaged with the book. Focuses on explanation about, rather than description of, the processes that produce Earth's weather and climate. Software tutorials are keyed to the following topics: Solar Geometry; Global Energy Balance; Atmospheric Moisture; Adiabatic Processes; The Coriolis Force; Atmospheric Forces and Motion; Wind and Pressure Aloft; Cyclones and Anti-Cyclones.
Booknews
New edition of a meteorology text that bridges the gap between abstract explanatory processes and their expression in everyday events. In the 16 chapters, Aguado (San Diego State U.) and Burt (U. of Wisconsin-Madison) emphasize scientific literacy in a discussion of energy and mass, water in the atmosphere, distribution and movement of air, disturbances, human activities, and current, past, and future climates. Contains color illustrations and maps. The included CD-ROM provides tutorials, three-dimensional diagrams and animations of difficult-to-visualize material, weather images, a media library, and short interactive exercises. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)