The Encyclopedia of Weather and Climate Change: A Complete Visual Guide / Edition 1

by Juliane L. Fry, Hans-F Graf, Richard Grotjahn, Marilyn N. Raphael, Clive Saunders

Overview

Encyclopedia of Weather features:

• Spectacular color photographs, detailed diagrams, beautiful graphics, and maps

• Easy-to-understand text that is packed with enough detail for scientists yet accessible in classrooms from the junior high school level (and up)

• The most up-to-date information based on the most recent scientific findings

• Succinct explanations of climate change, the enhanced greenhouse effect, global warming, and ozone depletion

• "Fact files" that put information at readers' fingertips

This beautiful, comprehensive, and up-to-date volume covers in amazing depth all aspects of the world's weather. Liberally illustrated with more than 2,000 color photographs, supplemental maps, diagrams, and other images, The Encyclopedia of Weather and Climate Change takes the reader beyond simple definitions to explore where weather comes from and the roles played by oceans and water cycles, and explains such related phenomena as the shaping of landforms, the creation of biological provinces, and the lasting ramifications of climate change. It also discusses how humans have survived and adapted in extreme climates like deserts, jungles, and icy regions. Each of the book's six sections is written and vetted by a different expert. "Engine" discusses what weather is, the solar powerhouse that supplies it, and Earth's atmospheric systems and seasons. "Action" delves into the dynamics of various weather forms. "Extremes" covers blizzards, heat waves, wildfires, and more. "Watching" tracks how weather is measured, mapped, monitored, and forecast. "Climate" delineates the continental climate zones and describes the plant, animal, and human adaptations for each. "Change" considers the history of climate change—ice ages, dinosaur extinction, melting glaciers, human impact, and more—and what we can expect in the future.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780520261013
Publisher:	University of California Press
Publication date:	03/08/2010
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	512
Product dimensions:	9.30(w) x 10.50(h) x 1.60(d)

About the Author

Juliane L. Fry is Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Studies at Reed College. Hans-F Graf is Professor for Environmental Systems Analysis in the Centre for Atmospheric Science at the University of Cambridge. Richard Grotjahn is Professor -in the Department of Land, Air, and Water Resources at the University of California, Davis. Marilyn N. Raphael is Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of California, Los Angeles. Clive Saunders is Senior Lecturer in the School of Earth, Atmospheric, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Manchester. Richard Whitaker is an independent meteorological consultant who appears frequently on the Weather Channel in Australia.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"The science of weather—from cloud formation to approaches to slowing and reversing climate change—is clearly and succinctly explained in this wide-ranging, well-illustrated volume."—Scientific American

"Provides enough detail for weather buffs of all ages."—Science News

"A colorful reference book that makes for a great introduction to the science of meteorology and climate."—Earth Magazine

"This book belongs in every science classroom, and should be required reading for any citizen who wants to take an informed stance on climate change."—Fore Word Reviews

"An excellent introduction to the human impact on global ecosystems."—College & Research (C&Rl News)

Editorial Reviews

Comprehensive and up-to-date volume covers in amazing depth all aspects of the world’s weather.

The Birdbooker Report

Magnificently illustrated, authoritative and exceedingly well-organized.

Longitude

The science of weather—from cloud formation to approaches to slowing and reversing climate change—is clearly and succinctly explained in this wide-ranging, well-illustrated volume.

Scientific American

I would gladly share this book with anybody who is interested in the natural world around us.

Reference Reviews - Jane Kinkus Yatcilla

An excellent introduction to the human impact on global ecosystems.

College & Research (C&Rl News)

Provides enough detail for weather buffs of all ages.

Science News

This book belongs in every science classroom, and should be required reading for any citizen who wants to take an informed stance on climate change.

Fore Word Reviews

A colorful reference book that makes for a great introduction to the science of meteorology and climate.

Earth Magazine

The subtitle says it all, as it is the extensive color photography and illustrations, as well as its coverage of climate change, that set this title apart from its recent competitors, Facts On File's 2002 Encyclopedia of Weather and Climate and Oxford's 1996 Encyclopedia of Climate and Weather. That it is available for such a comparatively low price is a nice surprise. The encyclopedia is written by six professors and meteorologists from the United States, the UK, and Australia. Unlike the aforementioned titles, it is arranged thematically. Major sections fall under the following headings: Engine, Action, Extremes, Watching, Climate, and Change. Chapters within the sections begin with a broad overview of a particular topic, then move on to greater detail. The regional climate guide, focusing on 43 specific locations around the world, is particularly noteworthy. The volume concludes with a glossary and index. Overall, there is not a lot of text here, but the profuse illustrations carry the information; this title could be just the thing for visual learners. BOTTOM LINE Those looking for a resource focusing on climate change will prefer Gale's 2008 Climate Change in Context. Otherwise, this is highly recommended for public, school, and academic libraries.—Teresa R. Faust, Vermont Dept. of Libs., Berlin

Library Journal