Exploring the Weather

We always complain about the weather no matter if it is hot and sunny or wet and cold. But weather can all too easily make the difference between plenty and famine, survival and death. Technically the term 'weather' refers to the condition of the atmosphere in a particular place and time as opposed to climate, which refers to the overall tendency of an area. So while today the weather might be hot and sunny, the climatic tendency may actually be cool and wet. This fascinating book covers all aspects of the weather from the beauty of clouds, auroras and sunsets to the awe-inspiring and often terrifying tornadoes, typhoons and lightning storms that affect many parts of our Earth. The author guides you through the process of forecasting weather, what causes various weather conditions, the impact of solar flares, the threat of climate change and finally urges us to look again at the wonder surrounding us.

Clearly written and extensively illustrated, this book is for students, for amateur meteorologists or for anyone who wants to learn more about the weather that affects us all.

Contents: Introduction; Predicting the inevitable; Weather goes scientific; Cloud cover; The power of the Sun; Rain, rain; The white stuff; Hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons; Drought Tornadoes; Thunder and lightning; Weather from space; Challenging the climate; The wonder of weather.

Brian Clegg is the best-selling author of numerous titles on popular science including 'Exploring the Universe', 'A Brief History of Infinity' and 'Ecologic' to name but a few. He lectures widely and has given sell-out lectures at the Royal Institution in London and at venues ranging from Oxford and Cambridge Universities to Cheltenham Festival of Science. He contributes to radio and television programs and is a popular speaker at schools.