Understanding Weather and Climate

by Edward Aguado, James E. Burt

Written in an exceptionally clear, informal style filled with anecdotes and examples, this introduction to meteorology emphasizes a non-mathematical understanding of physical principles as a vehicle for learning about atmospheric processes. It focuses on explaining--rather than simply describing--the processes that produce Earth's weather and climate, and provides special emphasis on severe weather and how it impacts humans. An accompanying CD-ROM features a series of tutorials, illustrative movie loops, interactive animations, and more that explain difficult-to-visualize topics. A companion Web site offers additional resources. Features current coverage on a wide variety of composition and structure of the atmosphere; solar radiation and the seasons; energy balance and temperature; atmospheric moisture; cloud development and forms; precipitation processes; atmospheric pressure and wind; 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 air pollution and heat islands; earth's climates; climate changes. For anyone interested in an accessible introduction to Meteorology.

Genres: Science, Reference, Textbooks, Nonfiction

528 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1998

Reviews

[Tom M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very-well presented book and quite didactic. The subject is introduced progressively which lets the reader build the understanding of weather one brick at a time. Interesting links and references to illustrate or complement the theory.

Note that unfortunately, the book mainly focuses on US weather, except in later chapters about the global climate.

Beware though that there are blatant mistakes, such as "at constant pressure, density increases with temperature" or "near the surface, winds cross the isobars. Above the friction layer, wind is parallel to the pressure gradient". Fortunately those are obvious, but repeated in both the text and the summaries so they are not simple typos, which is more concerning and makes me wonder about possible mistakes I may not have seen.

The site with the digital material is no longer accessible, and I couldn't find any errata. Remaining a critical reader is advised.

(7th edition, 2015)

[Zohær · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a really good intro to weather and climate, goes into some depth and physical background which so profs aren't willing to discuss during class time but is essential to understanding climate. Not too in depth but it does suffice at the intro level. Well written.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Textbook for Geography of Climates