During the last 20 years the study of, and the prediction of, changes in the climate of our planet have become an urgent social imperative, addressed to scientists the world over. The first principles on which to base such a study were formulated in 1974 in Stockholm, at the international GARP conference on the physical fundamentals of climate theory and climate modeling. In 1979 the World Meteorological Organization and the International Council of Scientific Unions decided to conduct a global program of climate research. This World Climate Program is designed mainly to investigate the variability of the climate on time scales ranging from a few weeks to a few decades and to create a scientific basis for the long-term forecasting of weather. There is at present a definite need for a monograph which can serve as an introduction to the theory of climate. On a qualitative level (without the apparatus of theoretical physics and mathematics) such an introduction has already been presented, in Part I of a book on the history of climate by Yu. A. Shishkov and the author (Monin and Shishkov, 1979). Part II of that work gives factual data on climatic changes during the course of the Earth's history. The present book is designed to provide such an introduction on a quantita tive level."

This book grew out of lectures on geophysical fluid dynamics delivered over many years at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology by the author (and, with regard to some parts of the book, by his colleagues). During these lectures the students were advised to read many books, and sometimes individual articles, in order to acquaint themselves with the necessary material, since there was no single book available which provided a sufficiently complete and systematic account (except, perhaps, the volumes on Hydrophysics of the Ocean, Hydrodynamics of the Ocean, and Geodynamics in the ten-volume Oceanology series published by Nauka Press in 1978-1979; these refer, however, specifically to the ocean, and anyway they are much too massive to be convenient for study by students). As far as we know, no text corresponding to our understanding of geophysical fluid dynamics has as yet been published outside the Soviet Union. The present book is designed to fill this gap. Since it is customary to write the preface after the entire book has been completed, the author has an opportunity there to raise some points of possible criticism by the reviewers and readers. First of all, note that this work presents the theoretical fundamentals of geophysical fluid dynamics, and that observational and experimental data (which in the natural sciences are always very copious) are referred to only rarely and briefly.

This book grew out of lectures on geophysical fluid dynamics delivered over many years at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology by the author (and, with regard to some parts of the book, by his colleagues). During these lectures the students were advised to read many books, and sometimes individual articles, in order to acquaint themselves with the necessary material, since there was no single book available which provided a sufficiently complete and systematic account (except, perhaps, the volumes on Hydrophysics of the Ocean, Hydrodynamics of the Ocean, and Geodynamics in the ten-volume Oceanology series published by Nauka Press in 1978-1979; these refer, however, specifically to the ocean, and anyway they are much too massive to be convenient for study by students). As far as we know, no text corresponding to our understanding of geophysical fluid dynamics has as yet been published outside the Soviet Union. The present book is designed to fill this gap. Since it is customary to write the preface after the entire book has been completed, the author has an opportunity there to raise some points of possible criticism by the reviewers and readers. First of all, note that this work presents the theoretical fundamentals of geophysical fluid dynamics, and that observational and experimental data (which in the natural sciences are always very copious) are referred to only rarely and briefly.

During the last 20 years the study of, and the prediction of, changes in the climate of our planet have become an urgent social imperative, addressed to scientists the world over. The first principles on which to base such a study were formulated in 1974 in Stockholm, at the international GARP conference on the physical fundamentals of climate theory and climate modeling. In 1979 the World Meteorological Organization and the International Council of Scientific Unions decided to conduct a global program of climate research. This World Climate Program is designed mainly to investigate the variability of the climate on time scales ranging from a few weeks to a few decades and to create a scientific basis for the long-term forecasting of weather. There is at present a definite need for a monograph which can serve as an introduction to the theory of climate. On a qualitative level (without the apparatus of theoretical physics and mathematics) such an introduction has already been presented, in Part I of a book on the history of climate by Yu. A. Shishkov and the author (Monin and Shishkov, 1979). Part II of that work gives factual data on climatic changes during the course of the Earth's history. The present book is designed to provide such an introduction on a quantita tive level."

I have been Ron Hardin's pastor and friend for the past twenty-five years and have seen his words come to pass in a remarkable way. God has comforted, encouraged, directed, rebuked, reproved, prophesied, and edified multitudes (myself included) through Ron's poems. As you get quiet before God and read the poems contained in this book, something amazingly powerful will occur. God will speak to you right where you are on the subject you most need today. Don't underestimate "the God factor" in the words because they rhyme. The words weren't selected by a man seeking to complete a sentence with similar sounding wordage. The words were given by the Spirit of God in this unique form to help you and bless you. Pastor Glen Curry www.pillarsoffaith.com Some will read His Heart's Collection, some will study it and some won't be able to get enough. All will be blessed. There are nuggets of blessings more than enough to go around. Hoab Hueffmeir Palm Springs, California These gatherings of writings over the years are poetic, prophetic revelations straight from the Father's heart. Read and re-read this book to be encouraged and an encouragement to others. I highly recommend it and know you will be blessed every time you read another line. Pastor Steve Davis Redeemed and Delivered Ministries La Puente, California [email protected]