In
the press
Book reviews
Baroclinic
Tides—Theoretical Modeling and Observational Evidence
Vasiliy Vlasenko, Nataliya Stashchuk and Koluman Hutter.
Cambridge University Press (2005).
ISBN 0-521-84395-2. xix + 351 pp.
Price: £70/US$ 120.
This
book will be very useful, especially for graduate students
in the areas of physical oceanography and of numerical
modelling applied to oceanography, generally. The
organization of the seven chapters is logical; the proposed
methods are presented after a good theoretical introduction,
making it easy for the reader to find themes of interest.
The
numeration of formulas guides the reader through the basic
formulation, the assumptions and the theory to gain a better
understanding of the methods that are explained in the book.
The
introduction in the first chapter gives the elements of the
theory and formulas that are used in the following chapters.
In this way, those who are not familiar with governing
equations and linear wave equations may acquire the notions
to understand better the formulation of the non-linear wave
problem and the theory explained throughout the book.
The
second chapter explains linear baroclinic tides, then the
numerical model, and the authors make an analysis of the
formulation used for the different situations to which it
can be applied. The internal wave generation theory is well
described.
The
third chapter introduces a semi-analytical two-layer model
for internal waves, explaining the theory and describing the
necessary equations. This makes it easier to understand the
theory presented in the fourth chapter, where the analytical
model approach changes to the numerical model approach.
The
fifth chapter describes the generation of internal waves by
baroclinic tides and the models to analyse them. In view of the different uses to which data obtained from
measurements and those from models are put, the chapter also
explains the origin of the formulas used to explain the
characteristics of the different types of waves generated.
This allows a better understanding of the theory proposed
for the analysis of the different types of waves studied.
The
sixth chapter compares the data obtained from measurements
and the results of experiments and makes an analysis of the
effects and influences of the different characteristics that
can be applied for the theory that is explained. Finally,
the authors make a summary of the generation mechanism of
baroclinic tides which helps the reader to a better
understanding of the waves generated under the different
regimes and what is the approach that can be used for each
of them.
The
last chapter explains the three- dimensional effects of
baroclinic tides for specific cases, using observed data for
the analysis. This is really useful, because it gives the
reader good tools to analyse the data that can be obtained
from our own measurements and to establish different
case-studies.
Rodney
Martínez
(r.martinez@ciifen-int.org)
Encyclopedia of Weather and Climate
Michael Allaby. Facts on File, New York (2002). ISBN
0-8160-4071-0
(two volumes).
Price: US$ 150.
Michael
Allaby undoubtedly enjoys the physical sciences and this
comes through in his two-volume Encyclopedia of Weather and
Climate. The title is a misnomer, however, because it
describes more than just weather and climate. The
encyclopedia contains explanations of the various physical,
synoptic and thermodynamic processes that produce weather
and climate in a concise but straightforward manner. It
provides classifications of the various climates and
descriptions of significant paleoclimatic regimes. The
important scientific concepts are written in a format that
is easy to understand. It is not written for the physical
scientist and therefore the author limits his use of
equations. The layman will find the encyclopedia quite
useful.
The
various meteorological and oceanographic terms are well
defined. The definitions are supplemented by effective maps,
charts and schematic diagrams. There are over 4000 entries
in the two volumes, which include explanations of the
impacts of climate on ecology and human health. These
elements make the encyclopedia a welcome addition to the
meteorological library and as a good reference for the
general public.
Even
the professional meteorologist will find the volumes useful.
Explanations of terms that may only be used in particular
locations are included. The meaning of contrastes—a local
wind in the Mediterranean—is included, for example.
Those
who require information on international climatological or
meteorological activities, projects and programmes will not
be disappointed. The Cooperative Holocene Mapping Project is
described and references to Websites for more information
are provided. This is available throughout both volumes.
Climate
change has now entered the vernacular of the news and
everyday life. Important information on this topic can also
be found in the encyclopedia. The meaning of terms such as
the clean development mechanism (CDM) is included.
However,
the encyclopedia goes beyond that. It provides intersting
historical narratives such as a description of the formation
of the United States Weather Bureau. It also provides
biographical information on important historical figures in
meteorology such as Daniel Fahrenheit, the developer of the
Fahrenheit temperature scale. Photographs and sketches of
some of these figures are included. In addition, the
encyclopedia is liberally interspersed with anecdotes such
as the use of conditions on Christmas Day to predict the
weather months in advance.
The
author has also tried to include significant weather events.
These include various tropical cyclones that have affected
nations around the world. Naturally, every tropical cyclone
that had significant impacts on all locations could not be
included. There were bound to be major omissions. Readers
will therefore be disappointed when a system that they
expected to find is not included.
Earth
science information is also included. The reader will
therefore be able to find information on volcanoes and other
geological phenomena.
The
encyclopedia ends with five appendices that include
chronologies of disasters and discoveries, geological
timescales, important Websites and an index.
National
Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NHMS) continue to
be the resource of first choice for the general public
concerning physical phenomena especially in developing
countries. This small set of encyclopedias can serve as an
important resource for those who have to respond quickly to
requests from the public, students and teachers. The terms
are placed logically and effectively cross-referenced.
Material is therefore easy to find. The concise, but
straightforward entries can be used to provide simple
explanations. Junior members of staff can use the
information to become attuned to activities occurring on the
periphery of their immediate duties and responsibilities,
and even senior members of staff can use it as a resource
for unfamiliar terms. I would therefore recommend it as an
addition to the meteorological library or a handy reference
for the on duty meteorologist in a small National
Hydrological and Meteorological Service.
Carlos
Fuller
(ozone@btl.net)
Hydrogeology
of the Oceanic Lithosphere
E. Davis and H. Elderfield (Eds). Cambridge University Press
(2004).
xx + 706 pages;+ CD-ROM.
ISBN 0-521-81929-6 (h/b). Price: £95/US$ 170.
The
book consists of five parts. It starts with a brief history
of the discovery and evolution of the
topic treated over a period of about 30 years to
specialized aspects that include the geochemistry of the
processes of reaction and mechanisms of transport of the
fluid flows, through the different structures of the oceanic
crust, including the nature, state and properties of the
means in which these flows are developed. Part III is a
quantitative analysis of the treated parameters of heat and
fluid flow. The five parts contain 21 articles written by
scientists of different research organisms and of varied
experience in the subject.
The
review presented here centres on the general context of the
book, its form and structure, the scientific base, and the
form of its presentation, language and style; as well as the
correlations between the theories and the diagrams.
Several
specialists who participated in a workshop supported by the
International Lithosphere Program and the Joint
Oceanographic Institutions/US Science Support Program
decided to present the results of their studies in diverse
disciplines (physics, chemistry, and microbiology). The
subject is becoming increasingly important, especially for
students and researchers in the Earth sciences and
oceanography. The contents are written in clear, explanatory
language.
The
information provided in each article is adapted, coherent
and up to date. The book is a good tool for researchers who
wish to correlate diverse parameters and results in
different environments. A wide range of different subjects
is treated, from the properties of the materials of the
oceanic crust generated during the cortical accretion, to
the methodologies used and suggested for improved
acquisition of the results (nature, causes and
consequences).
An
important aspect of athe book is the presence of an ample
preface and explained objectives. The content, terminology,
and perspectives of the subject and the clarity of the
presentation make the book useful.
Another
important aspect is the clear presentation of ideas and use
of new tools, including the shore-to-ship connection. It may
become questionable and difficult to bridge the different
disciplines in order to be able to better understand the
dynamics of the planet.
The
subject dealt with has recently become an interesting one
for those countries with seismic activity. In the case of
Ecuador, for example, measurements of heat flow were made in
the marine campaign Amadeus, 2005. The experience developed
throughout the years has allowed us to define key elements
for the understanding and quantification of the rates of
change of flows between the crust and overlying
oceans—elements that are now clearly understood and better
visualized. The book describes work on one of the most
widely distributed and volumetrically important: ridge
flanks.
The
subject is not only of scientific but also of economical
interest because of the relations between different types of
flows and mineralogical elements. While the editors do not
try to answer all the questions that could be raised, the
desire to contribute to enhanced knowledge of the subject is
demonstrated .
A
remark concerns the part about geochemical fluxes. It would
have been better to interchange Chapters 19 and 21 so as to
present the topic from a global context to a more specific
one, which is the fundamental subject of the book.
The
book carries an interactive accompanying CD-ROM with a full
set of diagrams, captions, references and photos of research
vessels, submersibles, and other tools used in hydrological
studies.
To
summarize, the vast experience of the specialists who
contributed to the writing of this volume, makes this work,
a valuable resource in the sciences of the Earth and the
sea.
Essy
Santana Jara
(geologia@inocar.mil.ec)
New books received for review in the WMO Bulletin
Carbon
Dioxide Capture
and Storage
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Cambridge University Press (2005).
ISBN 0-521-68551-6.
x + 431 pp.
Price: £40/US$ 70.
This
IPCC Special
Report provides
information for policy-makers, scientists and engineers in
the field of climate change and reduction of CO2 emissions.
It describes sources, capture, transport, and storage of
CO2. It also discusses the costs, economic potential and
societal issues of the technology, including public
perception and regulatory aspects. Storage options evaluated
include geological storage, ocean storage and mineral
carbonization. Notably, the report places CO2 capture and
storage in the context of other climate change mitigation
options, such as fuel switch, energy efficiency, renewables
and nuclear energy.
The
volume includes a Summary for Policymakers approved by
governments represented in the IPCC, and a Technical
Summary.
The
journey to Pices—Scientific Cooperation in the North
Pacific
Sara Tjossem. Alaska Sea Grant College Programme (2005).
ISBN 0-521-86509-3.
xii + 194 pp.
Price: US$ 200.
This
book is a significant contribution to the history of
international marine scientific organizations. It presents
the process of creating the North Pacific Marine Science
Organization (PICES). It seems obvious enough that such an
organization was needed—the best way for the Pacific Rim
nations to gain knowledge about the enormous North Pacific
Ocean is through cooperative research—yet PICES was two
decades in the making.
The
reasons for this lengthy incubation are described. The
process took promotion, patience, and perseverance. Today,
PICES is an active six-nation international marine
organization, contributing substantially to marine science.
Safeguarding
the Ozone Layer and the Global Climate System
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Cambridge University Press (2006).
ISBN 0-521-6826-1.
x + 478 pp.
Price: £80/US$ 140.
This
IPCC Technology and Economic Assessment Panel Special Report
provides information relevant to decision-making in regard
to safeguarding the ozone layer and the climate system.
Scientific evidence linking chlorofluorocarbons
and other ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) led to
the initial control of chemicals under the 1987 Montreal
Protocol and to amendments and adjustments in the 1990s. As
various approaches to the phase-out of ODSs were developed
it was realized that some actions taken to reduce future
depletion of the ozone layer, in particular the introduction
of HFCs and PFCs, could affect global warming.
This
report provides the scientific context required for
consideration of choices among alternatives to ODSs;
potential methodologies for assessing options; and technical
issues relating to greenhouse-gas emission-reduction
opportunities for each of the sectors involved.
The
volume includes a Summary for Policymakers approved by
governments represented in the IPCC, and a Technical
Summary.
Arctic
Climate Impact Assessment
Cambridge University Press (2006).
ISBN 0-521-86509-3.
v + 1042 pp.
Price: £120/US$ 200.
Earth’s
climate is changing, with the global temperature now rising
at a rate unprecedented in the experience of modern human
society. These climate changes, including increases in
ultraviolet radiation, are being experienced particularly
intensely in the Arctic. Because the Arctic plays a special
role in global climate, these changes in the Arctic will
also affect the rest of the world. It is thus essential that
decision-makers have the latest and best information
available regarding ongoing changes in the Arctic and their
global implications.
The
Arctic Council called for this assessment and charged two of
its working groups, the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment
Programme (AMAP) and the Conversation and the Conservation
of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF), along with the
International Arctic Science Committee (IASC), with the
responsibility for scientific oversight and coordination of
all work related to the preparation of the assessment
reports.
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