A. AULICIEMS Living organisms respond to atmospheric variability and variation, and over time morphological and process differentiations occur both within individuals and the species, as well as in the environment itself. In systems language, the concern is with the atmospheric process-response system of energy and matter flows within the biosphere. The study of such interactions between living organ isms and the atmospheric environment falls within the field of bioclimatology, alternatively referred to as biometeorology. Amongst the more readily recognizable study areas under the bioclimatolog that investigate the effects of atmospheric variation and ical umbrella are those variability upon 1. Terrestrial and aquatic ecology (zoological, botanical and ethological), natural resource production and management (including silviculture, agri culture, horticulture, and grassland, wetland, and marine systems). 2. Stress, morbidity and mortality in animals and humans (including physiolog ical and psychological adaptations). 3. The built environment (all aspects of planning, urban design, and architec ture). 4. Economic systems and social activities (including organizational, individual, and group behavior and management). In addition, bioclimatology is very much concerned with the feedback loop, that is both 5. The inadvertent modification of the atmosphere by living systems, especially human, i.e., studies of pollution, changes to atmospheric amenity, and the processes of deterioration of landscape (deforestation and desertification), and 6. The advertent modifications of natural energy and matter flows within urban areas and indoor climate constructions."

In this study energy-exchange processes and climatic influences are examined in relation to thermal comfort and work efficiency as exemplified in a schoolroom situation. The investigation tests fundamental hypotheses on meterotropisms and optimal thermal environments and demonstrates how daily variations within atmospheric environments are considerably more important than had been previously suspected. It also describes the experimental use of a variety of microclimatic instruments and thermal indices in conjunction with psychological tests of continuous mental performance. The Atmospheric Environment treats a complex problem from a broad multi-disciplinary standpoint and is of particular interest to climatologists, psychologists, teachers and educational administrators, heating and ventilating engineers, and to all concerned with environmental management. (Department of Geography Research Publications 8).