Though people often think that only certain areas of the United States are truly mountainous, a new textbook reveals just how these regions affect much of the weather across the country. An understanding of mountain climatology and weather can help you to predict conditions in the area where you fly, whether you live by the Rockies or out in the Great Plains.
Mountain Meteorology: Fundamentals and Applications, by C. David Whiteman, is a full-color, 355-page book that covers just about all you need to know about this fascinating topic. The book begins with a discussion of meteorology basics and how they apply to mountainous regions. From there, it delves into detailed coverage of the boundary layers, fronts, clouds, precipitation, mountain winds, and then selected applications of meteorology such as pollution, fire weather, and aerial spraying. The graphics are clear and the prose is intelligent without being too dry. The book is available through Amazon.com for $39.95 (www.amazon.com).
-J. Boatman, AOPA Flight Training, December 2000, p. 59.