The Global Climate System: Patterns, Processes, and Teleconnections

by Howard A. Bridgman , John E. Oliver

• ISBN13: 9780521826426
• ISBN10: 052182642X
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-09-25
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

Over the last 20 years, developments in climatology have provided an amazing array of explanations for the pattern of world climates. This textbook examines the earth's climate systems in light of this incredible growth in data availability, data retrieval systems, and satellite and computer applications. It considers regional climate anomalies, developments in teleconnections, unusual sequences of recent climate change, and human impacts upon the climate system. The physical climate forms the main part of the book, but it also considers social and economic aspects of the global climate system. This textbook has been derived from the authors' extensive experience of teaching climatology and atmospheric science. Each chapter contains an essay by a specialist in the field to enhance the understanding of selected topics. An extensive bibliography is included and lists of web sites for further study. This textbook will be invaluable to advanced students of climatology and atmospheric science.

Author Biography

Howard A Bridgman is a Conjoint Professor at the University of Newcastle in Australia John E. Oliver is Emeritus Professor and former Director of the University Climate Laboratory at Indiana State University, USA

Table of Contents

Preface

1. Introduction

2. Oscillations and teleconnections

3. Tropical climates

4. Middle latitude climates

5. Climate of the polar realms

6. Post-glacial climatic change and variability

7. Urban climates

8. Human response to climate change

9. Model interpretation of climate signals

10. Conclusions and the future of climate research

Index.