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.

Atmospheric Processes and Systems presents a concise introduction to the atmosphere and the fundamentals of weather. Examining different aspects of the mass, energy and circulation systems in the atmosphere, this text provides detailed accounts of specific phenomena, including
* the composition and structure of the atmosphere
* energy transfers
* the cycle of atmospheric water in terms of evaporation, condensation and precipitation
* pressure and winds at the primary or global scale
* secondary air masses and fronts
* thermal differences and weather disturbances.
The text includes sixteen boxed case studies, annotated further reading lists and a glossary of key terms.