General circulation model (GCM) experiments in the late 1970's indicated that the climate is sensitive to variations in evaporation at the land surface. Thus, in the context of climate modeling, it became important to develop techniques which would realistically estimate the evaporation flux on land. Land Surface Evaporation: Measurement and Parameterization discusses strategies for the use of experimental data in developing and testing parameterization schemes of the evaporation flux in GCM's. The book reviews state-of-the-art techniques, such as remote sensing, which measure evaporation fluxes over continental surfaces. It evaluates their relevance with respect to the various spatial and temporal scales of interest. This book will provide researchers in climatology, meteorology, hydrology and water management, and remote sensing with a thorough overview of current research in land surface evaporation. It will also give young scientists insight into surface processes.

Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 163. The North, with its vast and varied landscapes, sparse population, and cold climate has always challenged its explorers: physically, mentally, logistically, and technically. The scientific community in particular has known such challenges in the past and does so today, especially in light of the projected intensification of climate change at high latitudes. Indeed, there are clear signs that change is already ongoing in many environmental variables: Air temperature and annual precipitation (including snowfall) are increasing in many regions; spring snow cover extent is decreasing; lake and river ice freeze-up dates are occurring later and breakup dates earlier; glaciers are retreating rapidly; permafrost temperatures are increasing and, in many cases, the permafrost is thawing; and sea-ice extent is at record minimums and thinning.

As a consequence of recent increased awareness of the social and political dimensions of climate, many non-specialists discover a need for information about the variety of available climate models. A Climate Modelling Primer, Third Edition explains the basis and mechanisms of all types of current physically-based climate models. A thoroughly revised and updated edition, this book assists the reader in understanding the complexities and applicabilities of today’s wide range of climate models. Topics covered include the latest techniques for modelling the coupled biosphere-ocean-atmosphere system, information on current practical aspects of climate modelling and ways to evaluate and exploit the results, discussion of Earth System Models of Intermediate Complexity (EMICs), and interactive exercises based on Energy Balance Model (EBM) and the Daisyworld model. Source codes and results from a range of model types allows readers to make their own climate simulations and to view the results of the latest high resolution models. The accompanying CD contains: A suite of resources for those wishing to learn more about climate modelling. A range of model visualisations. Data from climate models for use in the classroom. Windows and Macintosh programs for an Energy Balance Model. Selected figures from the book for inclusion in presentations and lectures. Suitable for 3rd/4th year undergraduates taking courses in climate modelling, economic forecasting, computer science, environmental science, geography and oceanography. Also of relevance to researchers and professionals working in related disciplines with climate models or who need accessible technical background to climate modelling predictions.

Although remote sensing is recognized as a powerful tool, less attention has been given in the past to the use of thermal, and especially thermal infrared (TIR) remote sensing. TIR data is useful for understanding the fluxes and redistribution of materials as a key aspect of land surface processes and land-atmosphere inter-relationships. This book

Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 52. The principal aim of this symposium was to describe the contributions which are made by each of the disciplines represented in the IUGG to the study of climate change. In order to present a balanced program, the Symposium was composed of invited reviews but other viewpoints were put forward during general discussion. The themes covered reflect the interests of the seven IUGG Associations and include volcanism; biogeochemistry; land hydrology; modeling climate, past and present; cryosphere; paleoclimates; land?]surface processes; tropical oceans and the global atmosphere; clouds and atmospheric radiation; aeronomy and planetary atmospheres; and modeling future climate changes.

Over the last decade, the study of cycles as a model for the earth's changing climate has become a new science. Earth Systems Science is the basis for understanding all aspects of anthropogenic global change, such as chemically forced global climate change. The work is aimed at those students interested in the emerging scientific discipline.Earth Systems Science is an integrated discipline that has been rapidly developing over the last two decades. New information is included in this updated edition so that the text remains relevant. This volume contains five new chapters, but of special importance is the inclusion of an expanded set of student exercises.The two senior authors are leading scientists in their fields and have been awarded numerous prizes for their research efforts.* First edition was widely adopted* Authors are highly respected in their field* Global climate change, integral to the book, is now one of the most important issues in atmospheric sciences and oceanography

Natural and human-induced changes in Earth's interior, land surface, biosphere, atmosphere, and oceans affect all aspects of life. Understanding these changes requires a range of observations acquired from land-, sea-, air-, and space-based platforms. To assist NASA, NOAA, and USGS in developing these tools, the NRC was asked to carry out a "decadal strategy" survey of Earth science and applications from space that would develop the key scientific questions on which to focus Earth and environmental observations in the period 2005-2015 and beyond, and present a prioritized list of space programs, missions, and supporting activities to address these questions. This report presents a vision for the Earth science program; an analysis of the existing Earth Observing System and recommendations to help restore its capabilities; an assessment of and recommendations for new observations and missions for the next decade; an examination of and recommendations for effective application of those observations; and an analysis of how best to sustain that observation and applications system.