Principles of Meteorological Analysis

By Walter J. Saucier

Book Overview

This highly respected meteorological classic contains an abundance of basic information that is not only still valid but is unavailable elsewhere. Walter J. Saucier, Professor of Meteorology, North Carolina State University, prepared a book geared to intermediate-level meteorology students. Geography departments will also find it useful as will some sophisticated amateur meteorologists.Following a review of atmospheric variables, descriptions of meteorological charts and diagrams, and a chapter on hydrostatics and static stability, the author discusses at length various types of analysis (scalar, cross-section, isobaric, isentropic, surface charts, and kinematic); considers certain aspects of broad-scale analysis and local analysis (including the tracking of small-scale weather phenomena), and provides a brief survey of analysis in the tropics.Hundreds of detailed graphs and charts enhance a clearly worded and straightforward text the use of which requires an elementary knowledge of climatology, observations, statics and thermodynamics, physical processes, and atmospheric motions. The volume also presumes some knowledge of differential calculus in particular partial differentials and certain rudiments of vector algebra. A list of reading references appears after each chapter; problems and exercises are included in the early sections of the book."

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0226735338
• ISBN13: 9780226735337
• Release Date: December 1955
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Length: 454 Pages
• Weight: 2.15 lbs.

Customer Reviews

*THE* Definitive Book for Meteorological Analysis

This book, despite its age, continues to be the acme of scalar and kinematic analysis of meteorological fields. Not to mention many other methods of meteorological data analysis. Nothing yet exists in the literature which can serve to replace this classic. Every operational meterologist should own a copy of Saucier's book and the pages should be worn and dog-eared from frequent use!

Review of "Principles of Meteorological Analysis"

This book is a true classic publication. Its enduring value is not so much as a textbook, although I have seen it used as such. Rather, it is should be considered a primary reference work. There is no better discussion of the theory and practice of meteorological scalar analysis anywhere in the literature. Its treatment of kinematic analysis is perhaps its most unique aspect and it certainly is one of Saucier's specialties. It also has an excellent treatment of cross section analysis, as well as many other topics. About the only negative part of the book is that it was published first in 1955, so its content *is* becoming a bit dated. Nevertheless, this is one that should be in the collection of every serious meteorology student. It is challenging to read, but the value associated with its content makes the effort worthwhile.