'Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.' Now Scarecrow Press has done something about it by publishing TheHandbook of Meteorology. This 'reference-y' title is an introduction to the concepts and theory behind daily weather. Focused on the U.S., this slim volume provides a scientific yet practical background on the causes of daily weather patterns. The work consists of concise chapters covering every aspect of meteorology, including the elements of weather, the atmosphere, precipitation and moisture, radiation, the seasons, microclimates, and weather forecasting. Some sections contain mathematical equations, but most are accessible to even the least scientific reader. The writing is very idiosyncratic and folksy, which is rare for a scientific work but welcome. Every chapter begins with a poem and/or famous quotation on the weather, and interesting 'Did you know?' facts are scattered throughout. A glossary of terms is provided as an appendix....This will be a good addition to any library collection—and will let users learn more about this topic that everyone is talking about.

Booklist

A comprehensive reference for any budding meteorologist of environmental professional in the field, laboratory or classroom.

Bare Essentials Magazine

Spellman (environmental health, Old Dominion Univ.) has written numerous science books for general audiences. Here, he provides a readable account of the basic properties of Earth's atmosphere and some of the processes that occur within the atmosphere. The book adopts a more philosophical perspective than most introductory textbooks (e.g., it addresses the history of weather forecasting in the US). Spellman's book shares some similarities with Atmospheric Processes and Systems, by R. D. Thompson (CH, Apr'99, 36-4543), though Thompson's book is structured more as a mid-level textbook for nonspecialists. The book treats many foundational topics well, and the glossary is a very useful expansion of NOAA's listing of weather terms (http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/box/glossary.htm). Summing Up: Recommended.

Choice Reviews