Integrating the classic textbook model with emerging areas of instructional technology, this book focuses on explaining, rather than describing, the processes that produce Earth's weather and climate. The authors encourage a non-mathematical understanding of physical principles as a vehicle for learning about atmospheric processes.
I. ENERGY AND MASS.
1. Composition and Structure of the Atmosphere.
2. Solar Radiation and the Seasons.
3. Energy Balance and Temperature.
4. Atmospheric Pressure and Wind.
II. WATER IN THE ATMOSPHERE.
5. Atmospheric Moisture.
6. Cloud Development and Forms.
7. Precipitation Processes.
III. DISTRIBUTION AND MOVEMENT OF AIR.
8. Atmospheric Circulation and Pressure Distributions.
9. Air Masses and Fronts.
IV. DISTURBANCES.
10. Mid-Latitude Cyclones.
11. Lightning, Thunder, and Tornadoes.
12. Tropical Storms and Hurricanes.
V. HUMAN ACTIVITIES AND SPECIAL TOPICS.
13. Weather Forecasting and Analysis.
14. Human Effects: Air Pollution and Heat Islands.
VI. CURRENT, PAST AND FUTURE CLIMATES.
15. Earth's Climates.
16. Climate Changes: Past and Future.
VII. SPECIAL TOPICS AND APPENDICES.
17. Atmospheric Optics.
Appendix A: Unit of Measurement and Conversions.
Appendix B: The Standard Atmosphere.
Appendix C: Weather Map Symbols.
Appendix D: Weather Extremes.
Glossary.
Index.