Encyclopedia of Weather and Climate, Revised Edition, 2-Volume Set (Facts on File Science Library) [Hardcover]

Michael Allaby (Author), Richard Garratt (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up-A much-needed resource that does not disappoint. Nearly 3000 alphabetically arranged entries offer explanations of how the atmosphere works, how weather forms, instruments, important contributors to the advancement of the atmospheric sciences, and more. Allaby's entries range from a few words to essays of several paragraphs. The articles are written in a readable style that requires no background knowledge, though a pronunciation guide is lacking. The set is profusely illustrated with black-and-white maps, diagrams, drawings, and photographs-all captioned. Tables and graphs are scattered throughout. Bold entry headings and guide words at the top of each page facilitate access, while generous type size aids readability. There are a number of cross- and see-references. Many articles include Web addresses; an appendix rounds them all up. A bibliography of books and articles, chronologies of disasters and discovery, a geological time scale, and a listing of tornadoes of the past are also included. There is a comprehensive index in both volumes. This set will be a useful source for all those weather-related questions, for report material, and for general interest.
Dana McDougald, Cedar Shoals High School, Athens, GA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Science author Allaby (Illustrated Dictionary of Science; A Dictionary of Earth Sciences) has compiled more of a dictionary than an encyclopedia, covering roughly 3000 alphabetically arranged terms pertaining to climatology and meteorology, as well as geology, biology, and astronomy. The longest entries (mostly biographical) run nearly two pages, but the majority are brief definitions. Allaby succinctly describes noteworthy named storms and also includes local weather terms, from the Indian andhis to the Argentinean zonda. Unfortunately, he omits some terms of particular interest to American and Canadian users, including Alberta clipper, humidex, first heave, Mount Washington Observatory, and storm chaser. The entries are extensively cross-referenced and sometimes include a reference or two to web sites or books. Quite a few of the print references, and a full quarter of the titles in the "Bibliography and Further Reading," are to other works by the author. Five appendixes complete the work: a "Chronology of Disasters" (selection criteria unspecified), a "Chronology of Discoveries," a chart of the geological time scale, a list of destructive "Tornadoes of the Past," and a list of web sites. Given the brevity of the entries, this is an optional purchase for libraries with large scientific and technical reference collections. Smaller academic and public libraries might find it useful but should also consider the less expensive The Facts On File Weather and Climate Handbook, also compiled by Allaby, or even a dictionary, such as Storm Dunlop's A Dictionary of Weather or The Facts On File Dictionary of Weather and Climate.
Nancy R. Curtis, Univ. of Maine Lib., Orono
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 832 pages
• Publisher: Facts on File; 2 Revised edition (July 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816063508
• ISBN-13: 978-0816063505
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 2.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,061,643 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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