The Cambridge Guide to the Weather

by Ross Reynolds

The Cambridge Guide to the Weather is a practical guide to observing, measuring and understanding the weather. Aimed at all those who enjoy the outdoors, such as sailors, walkers, climbers and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521774896
• ISBN13: 9780521774895
• Release Date: February 2000
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.0" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

This Guide Helps You Become Weather-Wise!!!

+++++ This slim book, by Cambridge meteorology lecturer Ross Reynolds is a practical, invaluable guide for all those influenced directly or indirectly by the weather (which is all of us). Reynolds elaborates: "Amongst other things, this book outlines a grounding in meteorology for those who want to gain a basic understanding of what makes the weather `tick,' and to appreciate what lies behind some of today's great atmospheric environmental issues. Each chapter of this nine-chapter book begins with a brief summary: (1) The Atmosphere "Before looking at the weather in detail, it is necessary to set the scene by explaining some basic facts about the atmosphere's chemical make-up, its structure and layering, and what drives it to on a global scale. This basic knowledge will help you understand subsequent chapters." (2) Weather Observation "Many people take more than just a conversational interest in the atmosphere by recording weather measurements at home. In some countries, there are networks of enthusiasts who produce regular newsletters that often include members' observations. The advent of the internet has facilitated even wider links between observers on an intercontinental scale." (3) Weather Mapping "Portraying the elements of both the `actual' weather and its forecast state as a...map, for one instant, is crucial in...meteorology. Satellite and radar `images' also aid in the visualization of extensive [weather] detail in a quickly [non-overwhelming] form. Much of the complexity of the atmosphere is, and will remain, summarized in map form that is truly international language for meteorology." (4) Global Weather "It is important to understand the links between patterns of global [atmospheric] pressure, circulation, temperature, humidity, and precipitation before investigating individual weather-producing disturbances such as...hurricanes and typhoons." (5) How the Weather Works "Every day, we all experience one facet or another of the weather, even if this is only the view from a window on a dull day...What makes the wind blow? How do clouds form and stay in the sky? How do they produce rain, snow, and drizzle? Why are there different types of fog? How do dew and frost form? These topics [and more] are discussed in this chapter." (6) Weather Forecasting "To most people, the main aim of the meteorologist is to prepare and present a weather forecast. Furthermore, television is probably the most common medium through which they obtain information on what is likely to happen over the next day or so weather-wise." (7) Hazardous Weather "In many parts of the world, the most common natural hazard to effect society is the weather. Its impact may be very short lived-from the disastrous transit of a tornado, to the potentially devastating passage of widespread gales that may last a day or so-or much more extensive, such as widespread flooding that may persist for weeks, or drought that may last for a season." (8) World Ho

Very Good

Of the few (15?) titles available on this subject, this is one of four that I bought. Good instructional material, broad based, and accurate. Small little volume that is a quick read and informative.