Antarctic Meteorology and Climatology

A comprehensive survey of the climatology and meteorology of Antarctica for atmospheric scientists, glaciologists, oceanographers and biologists.

J. C. King (Author), J. Turner (Author)

9780521039840, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 23 July 2007

424 pages, 193 b/w illus. 30 tables
24.3 x 16.8 x 2 cm, 0.686 kg

'To summarize, King and Turner have done a good job in reviewing the developments in Antarctic weather and climate during the period 1985–1994, and are to be congratulated on their effort. The book is well produced, of sturdy construction, and is reasonably priced in relation to similar offerings. This book is strongly recommended for the polar scientist who wants to gain an appreciation of modern Antarctic atmospheric investigations, as much of the material does not require an in-depth knowledge of meteorology to be understandable. All polar libraries should have a copy, and even more general science libraries could benefit from its acquisition.' David H. Bromwich, Polar Record

This book presents a comprehensive survey of the climatology and meteorology of Antarctica. The first section of the book reviews the methods by which we can observe the Antarctic atmosphere and presents a synthesis of climatological measurements. In the second section, the processes which maintain the observed climate are considered, from large-scale atmospheric circulation to small-scale processes. The final section reviews our knowledge of the variability of Antarctic climate and the possible effects of 'greenhouse' warming. Links between the Antarctic atmosphere, other elements of the Antarctic climate system (oceans, sea ice and ice sheets), and the global climate system are stressed throughout. This volume will be of greatest interest to meteorologists and climatologists with a specialist interest in Antarctica, but it will also appeal to researchers in Antarctic glaciology, oceanography and biology. Graduates and undergraduates studying physical geography, and the earth, atmospheric and environmental sciences will find much useful background material in the book.

Preface
1. Introduction
2. Observations and instrumentation
3. Physical climatology
4. The large-scale circulation of the Antarctic atmosphere
5. Synoptic-scale weather systems and fronts
6. Mesoscale systems and processes
7. Climate variability and change
Appendices
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Meteorology & climatology [RBP]