Includes bibliographical references and index.

Energy and mass -- Composition and structure of the atmosphere -- Solar radiation and the seasons -- Energy balance and temperature -- Atmospheric pressure and wind -- Water in the atmosphere -- Atmospheric moisture -- Cloud development and forms -- Precipitation processes -- Distribution and movement of air -- Atmospheric circulation and pressure distributions -- Air masses and fronts -- Disturbances -- Mid-latitude cyclones -- Lightning, thunder, and tornadoes -- Tropical storms and hurricanes -- Human activities -- Weather forecasting and analysis -- Human effects: air pollution and heat islands -- Current, past, and future climates -- Earth's climates -- Climate changes: past and future -- Special topics and appendices -- Atmospheric optics.