Munn R.E. Descriptive Micrometeorology

New York: Academic Press, 1966. — 245 p.Micrometeorology has grown, both in its theoretical and practical aspects, at a rapid rate, but because of its varied applications the literature is scattered widely through the periodicals. Much of the work has been sponsored by various government agencies and has resulted in numerous reports, prepared in limited editions, which are often designed to bury rather than to publish research results. Much excellent work deserves a better fate, but in many cases not even an excerpt finds its way into the regular serial publications. Micrometeorology is probably not the only field that has suflfered from this practice, which is detrimental to scholarship, inflicted upon it. Dr. Munn's diligence in reviewing this odd assortment of material is to be greatly commended. A new look at micrometerology is most timely. Aside from forecasting, this is undoubtedly the field in which the meteorologist can have the greatest practical impact on society. Agriculture, forestry, air pollution, city planning, and pest control are just some of the areas in which micrometeorological knowledge is an indispensible tool. It is also the field in which controlled interference into the natural atmospheric events can be exercised with at least approximately predictable results. In a world which will be more and more limited by its land and water resources and in which health is menaced by contamination of the atmosphere, the knowledge gained should not be disregarded. The review also clearly points out where this knowledge is deficient and thus can offer stimulation to fill the gaps.