Clouds and Storms

Water in the atmosphere and its influence on the motion of the atmosphere—the physics of clouds and precipitation—are comprehensively treated here in this final work by a master of the subject. Frank Ludlam's broad background and illuminating style have combined to produce an integrated picture of atmospheric processes, tying together the many interrelated aspects of dynamical meteorology, synoptic meteorology, and cloud physics. This book presents a synthesis of cloud physics, ranging from the microphysics which control particle growth through the large-scale dynamics of the atmosphere controlling air motion. The physical processes, from radiation to the interaction of cloud droplets, along with methods and interpretations of measurements, are discussed in a precise, compact style. The mathematical analysis is clear, and the exposition conveys a three-dimensional picture of airflow in an unusually lucid manner. Numerous line drawings, map analyses, and photographs aid the reader in visualizing the processes and phenomena discussed.

This book is a reference and text for all atmospheric scientists and scholars in related fields as well as a guidebook for those who would like to understand something of the nature and the complexity of weather and climate. It will help the specialist put his specialty in perspective; it will help the forecaster relate weather to large-scale dynamics. And through his extraordinary style, Frank Ludlam was capable of conveying to all readers his joy in the beauty of a sunset.