Clouds arise when warm, moist air rises – a simple physical process. But this process produces a remarkable variety: today’s meteorology distinguishes ten main types and numerous mixed and special shapes. The systematic observation and classification of clouds began in the 18th century and is still an important basis for researching the weather.
In “The Secret of the Clouds”, the cloud physicist and atmospheric researcher Vincenzo Levizzani succeeds in conveying a complex scientific topic in an understandable and at the same time stimulating way. The band offers fascinating insights: from the creation and typology of the clouds to their role in climate and weather events.
Levizzani spans the arch from the historical development of cloud observation to central aspects of cloud physics to current questions, such as the targeted, but also unintentional influence by humans or the importance of clouds for weather forecasts and climate protection.
The book arouses curiosity: Which clouds bring rain and which snow or hail? Is fog a cloud too? And what is the difference between hurrican, typhoons and cyclones? “The Secret of the Clouds” is an educational and entertaining reading for everyone who is interested in weather phenomena and the science of clouds. Eszter Bolla
Vincenzo Levizzani
The secret of the clouds
Harpercollins Verlag, 288 pages, € 22, –
ISBN 978-3-365-00644-3
