Collins guide to the weather - Gunter D. Roth

A comprehensive and practical guide to the weather; essential for the yachtsman, the walker and the mountaineer; invaluable for all who spend time out-of-doors. This book enables you to recognise any particular pattern of weather; to understand its cause and to forecast the probable turn of events.

Recognition. This book is planned to be used as a field guide. All the various different symptoms of the weather from mist and rain to red sunsets and auroras are illustrated with an accompanying text explaining their significance and underlying causes. There are also illustrations of different cloud formations and of wave conditions at sea.

Understanding. There is a full account of basic meteorology and the structure of the atmosphere, the principles of air temperature, pressure, humidity and density and explanations of such things as cold fronts and warm fronts.

Forecasting. Each of the illustrations of different weather conditions is accompanied by an account of what future weather can be expected. In addition, there are maps of 18 typical European weather systems, analysing any pattern of weather that is likely to occur during the course of the year.

Other features. These include a section on the influence of the weather on mankind, meteorological services and weather forecasting, an explanation of shipping forecasts and some key statistics from the U.K. (including those of Gilbert White). There is also an account of making your own weather observations, a glossary and index.