Descriptive Meteorology

Descriptive Meteorology, Second Edition describes the principal weather phenomena. This book consists of 10 chapters. Chapter I discusses the composition and vertical extent of the atmosphere. The adiabatic changes and vertical stability of the atmosphere are considered in Chapter II, while the heat balance of the atmosphere and observed temperature distribution are explained in Chapter III. The fourth chapter elaborates the condensation processes in the atmosphere and their respective forms. In Chapter V, the determination of wind velocity and vertical distribution of winds in the atmosphere are analyzed. The formation of characteristic air masses in the general circulation with the migratory types of cyclones, anticyclones, and tropical hurricanes and small-scale circulations which constitute most local weather phenomena are covered in Chapters VI to IX. The last chapter discusses the principles of weather forecasting and modification and present prospects for advances in meteorology. This edition is a good reference for meteorologists and college students familiar with general physics and elementary calculus.