The nature of global change in the Pacific Basin is poorly known compared to other parts of the world. Climate, Environment, and Society in the Pacific during the Last Millennium describes the climate changes that occurred in the Pacific during the last millennium and discusses how these changes controlled the broad evolution of human societies, typically filtered by the effects of changing sea level and storminess on food availability and interaction. Covering the entire period since AD 750 in the Pacific, this book describes the influences of climate change on environments and societies during the Medieval Warm Period and the Little Ice Age, focusing on the 100-year transition between these - a period of rapid change known as the AD 1300 Event.
* Discusses the societal effects of climate and sea-level change, as well as the evidence for externally-driven societal change
* Synthsizes how climate change has driven environmental change and societal change in the Pacific Basin
* Contains a comprehensive and up-to-date survey of the evidence for climate, environmental, and societal change, supported by a full list of references

THE STUDY OF THE BIOSPHERE The term 'biosphere' first appeared in the works of the French biologist 1.-B. Lamarck and the Austrian geologist E. Suess in the 19th century. In the 20th century, the study of the biosphere attracted considerable attention, largely due to the research of V. I. Vernadsky (1863- 1945). The results Qf Vernadsky's investigations have appeared in a number of publications, including the monograph The Biosphere published in 1926. This work consists of two parts, The Biosphere in Cosmos' and The Zone of Life', written in a form of speculation and reflection that is rarely used in modern studies. This work concerns the distinguishing properties of the space occupied by organisms and the exceptional importance of the activities of these organisms in the formation of their environment. In this and subsequent studies, Vernadsky has laid the foundations of the science of the biosphere, which today plays an important role in th.c many branches of science concerned with the Earth. Several terms have been suggested for the science of the biosphere, including global ecology (a discipline studying the global ecological system, whose meaning is close to that of the biosphere). One of the most prominent predecessors of Vernadsky was his teacher V.

Climate and Environmental Database Systems contains the papers presented at the Second International Workshop on Climate and Environmental Database Systems, held November 21-23, 1995, in Hamburg, Germany. Climate and environmental data may be separated into two classes, large amounts of well structured data and smaller amounts of less structured data. The large amounts are produced by numerical climate models and by satellites, handling data in the order of magnitude of 100 Tbytes for the climate modelling sites and 1000 Tbytes for the recording and processing of satellite data. Smaller amounts of poorly structured data are the environmental data, which come mainly from observations and measurements. Present-day problems in data management are connected with a variety of data types. Climate and Environmental Database Systems addresses the state of the art, practical experience, and future perspectives for climate and environmental database systems, and may be used as a text for a graduate level course on the subject or as a reference for researchers or practitioners in industry.

Floods occur in most parts of the world and range from being welcomed annual occurrences, to natural disasters which have countless physical and societal impacts.
Floods presents the most comprehensive collection to date of new research, providing a rich body of theory and experience and drawing together contributions from over fifty leading international researchers in the field. An extensive range of case-studies covering major floods and regions prone to flooding worldwide are included.

This anthology of studies by the eminent geographer and climate scientist Eduard BrA1/4ckner (1862-1927) on anthropogenic climate change and the social, political and economic impact of climate variations on societies in historical times, assembles his pioneering work in English for the first time. The issues discussed by BrA1/4ckner are now considered to be among the most pressing facing modern society and climate research. At the turn of the twentieth century, BrA1/4ckner was one of the central protagonists in a vigorous debate in science and society about global climate variability and its political and economic significance. The studies published here were chosen to demonstrate BrA1/4ckner 's wide-ranging scientific interest in climate variability, his extensive empirical research and theoretical analysis of climate change, his assessment of contemporary analyses and thinking about anthropogenic climate change (such as the widespread concern about desiccation), and how he approached the questions of the transfer of scientific knowledge into society. In many ways BrA1/4ckner was a thoroughly modern scientist, convinced, for example, that the issue of climate change and its impact was of considerable scientific merit and that future climate changes are of great significance for the well-being of humankind as well as for the global balance of political and economic relations. BrA1/4ckner 's formidable ideas should have a significant impact on our present views of climate, climate variability and climate impact.

This science comic presents the entire life cycle of the metro system in an accessible and fun way. Just like human beings, a metro system can get sick, and this book introduces its ailments, medical records along with experts' diagnoses and available treatments. Using cartoons, it enables readers of all levels to quickly understand the scientific secrets behind the metro system. It is based on the results of China's 973 program, which aims to promote and develop basic scientific research in China.

Societies throughout the world depend on food, fiber and forest products. Continuity and security of agricultural and forest production are therefore of paramount importance. Predicted changes in climate could be expected to alter, perhaps significantly, the levels and relative agricultural and forestry production of different nations over the next few decades. Agriculture and forestry are also likely to influence the rate and magnitude of such change, as they can be both significant sources and sinks of a number of greenhouse gases. Adaptive management strategies therefore need to be formulated and implemented for these sectors, to enable them to both adapt to future environmental change, and to limit greenhouse gas emissions. This book arose from an international workshop held in Canberra, Australia, under the auspices of the former IPCC Working Group III - Agriculture, Forestry and Other Human Activities Sub-Group (AFOS). A number of leading speakers at the workshop were approached to encapsulate the concepts discussed and developed at this workshop. The resulting papers make up this volume. The book promotes a greater understanding of the major sources and sinks of greenhouse gases within intensive and extensive cropping and animal production systems, and of agroforestry. It highlights the need to adopt a holistic systems approach to monitoring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and assessing impacts, and to integrate climate change-related goals and activities with other issues, such as biodiversity, desertification, and sustainable agriculture and forestry.

This volume presents an overview of climatic hazards and climate change, focusing on societal responses, insurance and methodologies for analysis. Drawing on primary research from researchers worldwide, it explores the potential sensitivity to changes in weather hazards that might be expected with climate change. Present hazard vulnerability and risk are often poorly understood and changes in disaster management are crucial. The book argues that disaster managers must adapt their policies to new climatic conditions and continue monitoring trends to detect significant shifts in risk and respond appropriately.

Biometeorology continues to grow as a discipline. It is increasingly recognised for its importance in providing science of relevance to society and well being of the environment. This book is the first in a new book series on Biometeorology. The purpose of the new series is to communicate the interdisciplinary philosophy and science of biometeorology to as wide an audience as possible, introduce scientists and policy makers to the societal relevance of and recent developments in its s- fields and demonstrate how a biometeorological approach can provide insights to the understanding and possible solution of cross-cutting environmental issues. One such cross-cutting environmental issue is climate change. While the literature on the science of climate change, climate change mitigation and the impacts of climate change is voluminous, that on adaptation to climate change is meagre in comparison. The purpose of this book is to partly redress this imbalance by providing insights from a biometeorological perspective. The book acknowledges that society has a long history of adapting to the impacts associated with climatic variability and change but makes the point that climate change poses a real threat to already strained coping systems. Therefore there is a need to realign human use systems with changing climate conditions.

The atmosphere plays a dominant role in shaping the physical environment and in controlling activities and responses in the cultural environment. "Atmospheric Processes and Systems" provides insight to the understanding of such extraordinary atmospheric events as El Nino.
Russell D. Thompson examines different aspects of the mass, energy and circulation systems observed in the atmosphere, and provides detailed accounts of specific phenomena, including atmospheric water evaporation, condensation and precipitation, pressure and winds, and thermal differences and weather disturbances. Illustrated throughout with information diagrams and photos, this book presents a non-technical introduction to the complex themes and processes of the atmosphere.

Climates & Weather Explained integrates climatology and meteorology to present a comprehensive introduction to the study of the atmosphere. Clear explanations of basic principles, concepts and processes are supported by a wealth of highly informative illustrations and a vast array of case studies demonstrating the relevance of weather and climate to issues in ordinary life - skin cancer, crop growth, weather forecasting, air pollution.
Focussing particularly on the Southern hemisphere, the authors offer valuable new insights into topcal environmental concerns including: climate change, global warming, hazards, sustainable population, environmental degradation, agriculture and drought.
The CD-ROM, which accompanies the hardback edition of the book, is a unique resource of entirely additional material yet closely interrelated with each chapter of the book. Providing resources for practical work and more advanced study, the CD-ROM features:
* Over 170 extra scientific "Notes", with 60 additional illustrations and tables
* Interactive numerical, multiple choice and practical exercises and self-assessment tests
* Extended guide to further reading, WWW addresses and full bibliography
* Key-word searching, extended glossary
* Teaching suggestions and guides
* Hypertext presentation and extensive cross-referencing
* Clear navigation, print-out and download options, flexible access and user pathways

This book examines how the state of underground structures can be determined with the assistance of force, deformation and energy. It then analyzes mechanized shield methods, the New Austrian tunneling method (NATM) and conventional methods from this new perspective. The book gathers a wealth of cases reflecting the experiences of practitioners and administrators alike. Based on statistical and engineering studies of these cases, as well as lab and field experiments, it develops a stability assessment approach incorporating a stable equilibrium, which enables engineers to keep the structure and surrounding rocks safe as long as the stable equilibrium and deformation compliance are maintained. The book illustrates the implementation of the method in various tunneling contexts, including soil-rock mixed strata, tunneling beneath operating roads, underwater tunnels, and tunnel pit excavation. It offers a valuable guide for researchers, designers and engineers, especially those who are seeking to understand the underlying principles of underground excavation.

Contents - Preface - 1 Historical survey - 2 The thunderstorm - 2.1. Global distribution of thunderstorms - 2.2. The thundercloud - 2.3. Point-discharge currents - 3. The lightning discharge - 3.1. Temporal development of flash to ground - 3.2. Strokes to tall structures - 3.3. Lightning currents and related parameters - 3.4. Frequency of lightning discharges - 4. The lightning conductor - 4.1. Mechanism of strike - 4.2. Striking distance - 4.3. Protective zone - 4.4. Radio-active lightning conductors - 4.5. Frequency of strikes to a structure - 5 Principles of protection - 5.1 Need for protection - 5.2. Design considerations - 5.3. Thermal considerations - 5.4. Mechanical considerations - 5.5. Electrical considerations - 6. Materials and dimensions - 6.1. Conductors for use above ground - 6.2. Conductors for use below ground - 6.3. Corrosion - Lightning Protection - 7. Protective systems for domestic, industrial and public structures - 7.1. Air-termination network - 7.2. Down conductors - 7.3. Earth-termination network - 7.4. Earth electrodes - 7.5. Joints - 7.6. Metal components on and in buildings - 7.7. Sound and television aerials - 7.8. Electricity supply and telephone installations - 7.9. Structures with flammable roofs and farm buildings - 8. Protection of tall structures - 8.1. High-rise buildings - 8.2. Chimneys and cooling towers - 8.3. Churches and monuments - 8.4. Telecommunication structures - 9 Protection of danger structures - 9.1. General considerations - 9.2. Structures above ground - 9.3. Structures below ground - 9.4. Mining and blasting - 9.5. Aircraft - 9.6. Warning devices - 10. Protection of miscellaneous structures - 10.1. Temporary structures - 10.2. Mobile structures - 10.3. Agricultural objects - 10.4. Structures on rock - 10.5. Playing fields and public highways - 10.6. Trees - 10.7. Ships and boats - 11. Maintenance - 11.1. General considerations - 11.2. Test methods - 11.3. Inspection and records - 12. Protection of persons and animals - 12.1. Effects of lightning currents - 12.2. Protection in the open - 12.3. Protection indoors - 12.4. Lightning casualties and resuscitation - 13. Postscript - Appendix - National Codes considered in text - References - Author Index - Subject Index - Contents -

Originally published in 1974, Arctic and Alpine Environments examines, the relatively simple ecosystems of arctic and alpine lands that still occupy extensive areas little disturbed by modern technology. The book argues that there is a necessity for carefully controlled development of the resources of these regions and suggests that there is a risk of irreversible disturbance without full understanding of these regions. This book provides a detailed documentation of cold-stressed arctic and alpine terrestrial environments and systematically deals with the present and past physical environment - climate, hydrology and glaciology; biota - treeline, vegetation, vertebrate zoology, and historical biogeography; abiotic processes - geomorphological and pedological and the role of man - bioclimatology, archaeology and technological impact, including radioecology. The book will appeal to academics and students of environmental and biological science, as well as providing a significant source for conservationists', government agencies and industrial organizations.

"Big freeze" conditions, storms, severe flooding, droughts, and heatwaves - recent extremes in weather, with their resultant physical, economic and human losses, highlight the vulnerability of society to changes in the atmosphere. Atmospheric pollution, urbanization, natural atmospheric disasters are causing dramatic changes in climatic environments. This study examines the effects of climate on physical, biological and cultural environments. Specialist contributors from Europe, North America and Australasia examine the impacts of changing climates on the functioning and development of physical biological environments including glaciers, water resources, landforms, soils, vegetation and animals. Weather and climate effects day-to-day activities and lifestyles from the clothes we wear to the buildings we design, and the food and energy we produce. This book focuses on the relationship between climate and a wide range of human activities and responses relating to health and comfort, building design, transport systems, agriculture and fisheries, tourism and social, industrial and legal issues.

Our understanding of climate and its role in human affairs has changed markedly over recent years, as have climate observation systems and modelling capabilities. Reliance on recent weather statistics to provide a guide for future climate is no longer viable. Evidence of human-induced climate change has placed climate high on political and the media agendas. This text provides an account of what we know about climate and changing climates at the end of the 20th century. Integrating the historical and geographical dimensions of climate, the crucial link between past and future climatic conditions is examined through the geographical lens of the British Isles. Climates of past ages are reconstructed and full descriptions of the present climate are illustrated by graphs, maps and images. Important climate data sets are provided. Marking the 25th anniversary of the Climatic Research Unit, this book distils much of the leading research of present and recent members of the unit and presents a view of climatic change and prospects for the next millenium and beyond.

Offering all aspects of humidity measurement and instrumentation, this work includes rudiments and theory, common applications, advantages and limitations of frequently-used sensors and techniques, and guidelines for installation, maintenance and calibration. The disk is intended for easy conversions of humidity parameters and units.

The physical and chemical properties and processes of clouds are of great interest from a variety of perspectives, such as acid deposition, oxidant chemistry, and radiative transfer in the atmosphere. The Kleiner Feldberg Cloud Experiment was conducted in October--November 1990 at the field observatory of Kleiner Feldberg near Frankfurt, Germany, in the Taunus Highlands. The experiment was planned and organized within the EUROTRAC sub- project GCE (Ground-Based Cloud Experiment). The general aim of this project is to experimentally investigate physical and chemical processes occurring in ground-based clouds, to provide the basic information needed to understand the incorporation and transformation of trace atmospheric constituents within the multiphase cloud system. This book reports the results of the Kleiner Feldberg Cloud Experiment, addressing the main scientific questions related to the properties of clouds and the processes taking place in the cloud multiphase system. How are the different atmospheric trace species partitioned between gas phase, interstitial aerosols, cloud droplets? What kind of physical and chemical processes cause changes in the phase partitioning of trace species within clouds? Which interactions can be found between the microphysical and dynamical processes in clouds and the chemical composition of cloud droplets? Is the chemical composition of cloud droplets size-dependent, as can be expected by the different scavenging processes? Which influence do chemical reactions have on cloud water chemical composition? Does the gas/liquid partitioning in cloud obey Henry's law? How important is the deposition of atmospheric trace substances due to cloud dropletinterception with the Earth's surface? Are the sampling techniques for aerosols and cloud droplets reliable with respect to their chemical composition? This book provides updated information on cloud research to scientists involved in other fields of atmospheric sciences and also useful reference material for graduate students enrolled in atmospheric chemistry programmes.

Get your umbrella, your sun hat and your snowshoes ready for this thrill-packed journey through the world of weather. Find out about different climates and weather patterns; discover the processes that drive them; learn the secrets of forecasting the weather and read about record-breaking weather and weird weather events, such as 'animal rain', 'ice bombs', 'ball lightning' and much more. This title also looks at the hot topics of pollution and climate change - how human activity can affect the weather, the impact of global warming and, most importantly, what we can all do to help. It's packed with fascinating facts and stories that will bring the extraordinary world of weather to life, making it perfect for budding meteorologists, young and old! Contents includes: Daily Weather Seasons and Climate Extreme and Amazing Weather Using the Weather The Weather is Changing About Lonely Planet Kids: Lonely Planet Kids - an imprint of the world's leading travel authority Lonely Planet - published its first book in 2011. Over the past 45 years, Lonely Planet has grown a dedicated global community of travellers, many of whom are now sharing a passion for exploration with their children. Lonely Planet Kids educates and encourages young readers at home and in school to learn about the world with engaging books on culture, sociology, geography, nature, history, space and more. We want to inspire the next generation of global citizens and help kids and their parents to approach life in a way that makes every day an adventure. Come explore!

The development of numerical integration techniques and the pioneering efforts of Von Neumann and his associates at the Institute for Advanced Studies (Princeton) have spurred the renewed interest of many leading fluid dynamicists and meteorologists in the theory and numerical simulation of planetary atmosphere and oceans circulations. Their work during the last 15 years, now culminating in the Global Atmospheric Research Program, has led to the possibility of vastly improved weather forecasts as wei I as the development of a ful I fledged branch of the physical sciences: geophysical fluid dynamics. Simultaneously, great strides have been made in developing new instruments, operating from earth orbiting satel I ites, to powerful observe the meteorological phenomena and to determine the state of motion of the atmosphere. Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) of France has very significantly contributed to this effort by developing the EOLE navigation and data collection satell ite, launched on 16 August 1971 to interrogate 500 instrumented platforms measuring meteorological para meters. It is fitting then, that CNES should have brought together lead ing scientists in the field of dynamic meteorology, to participate in its 1970 Summer School on Space Physics."

The US Department of Commerce estimates that nearly 10% of the US's $9 trillion GDP is exposed to weather risk. All over the world providers and end users are recognizing this fact and are turning their attention to ways of protecting against or taking advantage of changes in the weather. This book explores a market that is expected to expand rapidly and is one of the fastest areas of growth in the financial arena.

An Introduction to Numerical Weather Prediction Techniques is unique in the meteorological field as it presents for the first time theories and software of complex dynamical and physical processes required for numerical modeling. It was first prepared as a manual for the training of the World Meteorological Organization's programs at a similar level. This new book updates these exercises and also includes the latest data sets.
This book covers important aspects of numerical weather prediction techniques required at an introductory level. These techniques, ranging from simple one-dimensional space derivative to complex numerical models, are first described in theory and for most cases supported by fully tested computational software. The text discusses the fundamental physical parameterizations needed in numerical weather models, such as cumulus convection, radiative transfers, and surface energy fluxes calculations.
The book gives the user all the necessary elements to build a numerical model. An Introduction to Numerical Weather Prediction Techniques is rich in illustrations, especially tables showing outputs from each individual algorithm presented. Selected figures using actual meteorological data are also used.
This book is primarily intended for senior-level undergraduates and first-year graduate students in meteorology. It is also excellent for individual scientists who wish to use the book for self-study. Scientists dealing with geophysical data analysis or predictive models will find this book filled with useful techniques and data-processing algorithms.

In this thesis, a new lidar (light detection and ranging) ceilometer capable of monitoring cloud base and sensitive to boundary layer aerosols is introduced. The key to this novelty lies in its divided-lens design that addresses a classical lidar problem of balancing transmitter-receiver overlap and signal-to-noise ratio, along with a method for characterizing overlap in the laboratory. Enhanced sensitivity in the near-range of the instrument is achieved without compromising signal-to-noise in a design that is straightforward to manufacture for broad deployment. The instrument, its optical characterization, and its performance in the field are described. The prototype instrument described here has since formed the basis of a commercial sensor for monitoring clouds and aerosols. High-resolution, continuous observations of clouds and aerosols are needed to reduce the large uncertainties in our current understanding of their influence on climate that have been highlighted by the International Panel on Climate Change. And as international health organizations indicate growing public health threats over the coming decades resulting from poor air quality, extensive aerosol monitoring is required to assess personal exposure to and the health impacts of anthropogenic particulates. Ground-based optical remote sensing measurements made by well-characterized instruments, such as that described in these pages, are critical to this.

Prof. Leon Mestel has been an inspiration to many to study the role of magnetism in the Cosmos. To mark the occasion of his retin'ment from the University of Sussex after 43 years in astrophysics, several of his friends and former students decided to hold an advanced research workshop in his honour. NATO agreed to finance this venture which was held at the Institute of Astronomy at Cambridge. The scientific organizing committee was J. Landstreet, D. Lynden-Bell, F. Pacini, M.A. Rud0rman and N.O. Weiss and most leading experts on Cosmical magnetism agreed to come. We are particularly grateful to Lyman Spitzer who, ably helped by his wife Doreen, !!;ave the after dinner addre~s on how the goddess Astrophysica had foreseen Leon's achievements in classical Greek times. Not without regret we decided to maintain the homog0neity of the material and therefore could not cover Leon Mestel's major achievements in non-magnetic astronomy. His work on the cooling of white dwarfs, his understanding that degenerate hydrogen was a nuclear explosive since its pressure was almost independent of temperature and hence, his picture of supernovae, which is now more commonly applied to novae, his seminal understanding of the 'law' of galactic rotation and his work on the non-linear development of t hp anisotropies generated in gravitational collapse.

The effects of meteorological phenomena upon forest produc tivity and forestry operations have been of concern for many years. With the evolution of system-level studies of forest eco system structure and function in the International Biological Program and elsewhere, more fundamental interactions between forest ecosystems and the atmosphere received scientific atten tion but the emphasis on meteorological and climatological effects on forest processes remained. More recently, as recogni tion has developed of potential and actual problems associated with the atmospheric transport, dispersion, and deposition of airborne pollutants, the effects of forest canopies upon boundary-layer meteorological phenomena has come under scientific scrutiny. Looking to the future, with rising atmospheric con centrations of C02 and increasing competition for the finite fresh-water resources of the earth, interest in the role of forests in global C02 and water balances can also be expected to intensify. Thus, the nature of forest canopy-atmosphere interac tions, that is to say, the meteorological phenomena occurring in and above forest canopies, are of importance to a wide variety of scientific and social-issues. Demands for forest meteorological information currently exceed levels of knowledge and given the economic constraints of science in general and environmental sciences in particular, chances for major improvements in scien tific support in the near future are slim. Unfortunately, studies of environmental phenomena in and above forests are costly and logistically difficult. Trees, the ecological dominants of forest ecosystems, are the largest of all terrestrial organisms."