Synopses & Reviews
The weather is the most dangerous and unpredictable of natural forces at work on our planet. Earth's chaotic atmosphere can strike at random- with little warning and devastating consequences. A thunderstorm can release as much energy as a nuclear bomb, and there are 2,000 in progress on Earth as you read this sentence. But thunderstorms are small fry compared with the worst assaults the atmosphere throws at us. Tornadoes can tear up roads like paper, and category-5 hurricanes can reduce whole cities to rubble and splinters. DK Guide to Weather is an exciting guide to both the best and the worst of Earth's astonishing weather phenomena, from savage hurricanes to bizarre tricks of light such as specters and icebows. Packed with drama, this stunning book will capture the imagination of anyone interested in our world. Front cover: Caught by satellite, Hurricane Floyd approaches Florida in September 1999. Floyd was one of the biggest hurricanes of the 20th century. Fortunately, it swung away from Florida and weakened before making landfall in the Carolinas.
Review
Clear, colorful, and dramatic, the eye-catching photos will draw browsers as well as children seeking information for reports. (San Francisco Examiner)
Review
The whole family can learn more about what makesÖrainy daysÖ (Dayton Daily News)
Synopsis
An acclaimed science writer explores a wide range of weather topics, including climate and seasons, wind and gales, lightning and thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes, solar wonders, and weather forecasting. 200+ satellite and space shuttle photos.
About the Author
Michael Allaby has written and coauthored many popular books on environmental science, weather, natural history, and the countryside, including A Chronology of Weather and How the Weather Works.
Table of Contents
Restless planet -- The atmosphere -- The weather engine -- Climate and seasons -- Mist, fog, and dew -- Clouds -- Weird and wonderful clouds -- Wind and gales -- Rain -- Storm clouds -- Lightning -- Tornadoes -- Tracking twisters -- Hurricanes -- Landfall -- Floods -- The big chill -- Snow -- Hail -- Hot and dry -- Wildfires -- Dust storms -- Light shows -- Solar wonders -- El Ninäno -- Volcanic weather -- Weather forecasting -- Pollution -- Harnessing weather -- Weather data.