The Upper Atmosphere In Motion

Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 18. I am advised that a preface, though not necessary, would at least be conventional. Since this provides the one opportunity for conventionality that the volume as a whole opens up, it would be churlish of me to decline. A preface normally includes, I am told, an indication of both the reason that underlies the volume's very existence and the individuals to whom the volume is directed. But part of the reason for the volume's existence lies, strange though it may seem, in communicating the reason for the volume's existence. Since prefaces generally go unread, I would be remiss if I attempted that communication here. Instead, I have left the attempt to the Introduction and Key, which I believe has a better chance of being read. Let us be willing to settle, for the moment, on the truly fundamental fact that the volume was prepared because I was prepared to prepare it and a publisher was prepared to publish it. As to the intended readers; they too, must wait for their identification in the Introduction and Key, unless they are willing to settle at this point on an identification as those who might be ready to read what I was prepared to prepare.

The Upper Atmosphere: Meteorology and Physics focuses on the study of the characteristics, movements, composition, and observations of the upper atmosphere. The book first offers information on the meteorological conditions in the lower stratosphere and the structure and circulation of the upper stratosphere and the mesosphere. Topics include balloon sounding systems, climatology of the lower stratosphere, disturbed circulation of the lower stratosphere, rocket measurements, and frequent measurements with balloons and meteorological rockets. The text then ponders on the sun's radiation and the upper atmosphere and composition of the stratosphere and mesosphere. The manuscript elaborates on the composition and structure of the thermosphere, including photochemical processes, diffusion, composition and structure measurements, and structure of the thermosphere. The text also ponders on radiative processes and heat transfer; atmospheric tides and winds in the lower thermosphere; and transport of properties in the upper atmosphere. The publication is a valuable source of information for readers interested in the meteorology and physics of the upper atmosphere.

Additional Contributors Are George W. Platzman, Henry Stommel, Carl Gustav Rossby, T. Gergeron, H. R. Byers And Many Others.

Especially due to the increasing environmental problems there is a need to collect as many data as possible in the upper atmosphere. This book serves as a general multidisciplinary guide and introduction for a more effective use of the large amount of now available data from the Earth's atmosphere. It also shows the problems of the use of large amounts of time series data - for basic science as well as for environmental monitoring - and the related information systems. The book is aimed for scientists and students interested in the Earth's atmosphere which is vital for the understanding of environmental changes in the global system Earth.