by Kevin Hile (2009)
Fully updated with the latest advances in meteorology as well as an additional section on climate change, this comprehensive reference addresses all aspects of weather in an accessible question-and-answer format. All the basic elements of weather are discussed, as are all types of weather phenomena and the science of forecasting. In addition, the relationships between weather and oceanography, geology, and space science are expertly covered. Included are more than 1,000 questions and answers such as, Has a hurricane ever struck southern California? Could our oceans have originated in space? and What is bioclimatology? This resource is an ideal reference for students, teachers, and amateur meteorologists.
Eric Yoder and Natalie Yoder
65 short mysteries introduce readers to science facts ranging from the life, earth and space, physical and chemical, to the general sciences. Tap into your science wisdom and critical thinking skills to solve these brainteasers!
Martin Ince
From the opening and closing of oceans over millions of years to the overnight reshaping of landscapes by volcanoes, the Earth beneath our feet is constantly changing. The Rough Guide to the Earth explores all aspects of our dynamic planet, from the planet's origins and evolution and the seasons and tides to melting ice caps, glaciers and climate change. Featuring many spectacular images and helpful diagrams, this Rough Guide provides a fascinating and accessible introduction to Earth science.
Joyce Pope
Examines some of the wonders of nature, under such headings as "Strange Habitats," "Strange Families," and "Staying Alive."
Simon LeVay
Brilliant scientific successes have helped shape our world, and are always celebrated. However, for every victory, there are no doubt numerous little-known blunders. Neuroscientist Simon LeVay brings together a collection of fascinating, yet shocking, stories of failure from recent scientific history in When Science Goes Wrong. From the fields of forensics and microbiology to nuclear physics and meteorology, in When Science Goes Wrong LeVay shares twelve true essays illustrating a variety of ways in which the scientific process can go awry. Failures, disasters and other negative outcomes of science can result not only from bad luck, but from causes including failure to follow appropriate procedures and heed warnings, ethical breaches, quick pressure to obtain results, and even fraud. Often, as LeVay notes, the greatest opportunity for notable mishaps occurs when science serves human ends. LeVay shares these examples: To counteract the onslaught of Parkinson's disease, a patient undergoes cutting-edge brain surgery using fetal transplants, and is later found to have hair and cartilage growing inside his brain. In 1999, NASA's Mars Climate Orbiter spacecraft is lost due to an error in calculation, only months after the agency adopts a policy of "Faster, Better, Cheaper." Britain's Bracknell weather forecasting team predicts two possible outcomes for a potentially violent system, but is pressured into releasing a ‘milder' forecast. The BBC's top weatherman reports there is "no hurricane", while later the storm hits, devastating southeast England. Ignoring signals of an imminent eruption, scientists decide to lead a party to hike into the crater of a dormant volcano in Columbia, causing injury and death. When Science Goes Wrong provides a compelling glimpse into human ambition in scientific pursuit.