Hydrometeorology

Hydrometeorology presents an introduction to relevant topics in the interdisciplinary fields of hydrology and meteorology. This is one ofithe few books aiming to provide a balance between aspects of meteorological and hydrological processes. The transfer of energy and water between the land surface and the lower atmosphere within the hydrological cycle is addressed, followed by a description of the nature of ' precipitation and how it is formed. Forecasting precipitation is reviewed on all scales, and the range of past and current rainfaIl-runoff models and coastal surge models artel forecasts (including tsunamis)Ts discussed. The mechanisms of snow andlice formation (glacier, sea and tundra), evaporation and transpiration, how drought occurs and the representation of wind are described. How rainfall (including radar measurements) and river flow information isgathered and analysed (including frequency analysis, probable maximum precipitation and probable maximum flood)is presented. Satellite measurements ofprecipitation are. discussed. Examples of major past floods and droughts are given. Past and future climate change, whichis included, underpins the importance of hydrometeorological processes. The structure of the general circulation of the atmosphere and how it influences weather and climate, including the Hadley, Ferrel and polar cells, the trade winds and the El Nino, are outlined. Finally, the influences of urban areas on rainfall formation, including urban drainage and air quality, are described.Each chapter ends with one or two specific topics as appendices, a summary of key points discussed in the chapter, and a list of sample problems to aid understanding.