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Contents:

1 - Chemical evolution of the atmosphere; 2 - Atmospheric energy and the structures of atmospheres; 3 - The Earth's climates; 4 - Biogeochemical cycles and residence times; 5 - Sources of air pollution; 6 - Tropospheric photochemistry; 7 - Stratospheric chemistry and transport; 8 - Aqueous phase chemistry of the troposphere; 9 - Atmospheric particulate matter; 10 - Atmospheric dispersion and air pollution meteorology; 11 - Synoptic-scale meteorology; 12 - Atmospheric removal processes; 13 - Global air pollution problems; 14 - Regional-scale pollution problems; 15 - Urban-scale air pollution; 16 - Atmospheric monitoring techniques; 17 - Emission inventories; 18 - Pollutant dispersion modelling; 19 - Climate modelling; 20 - Critical levels and critical loads as a tool for air quality management; 21 - The practice of air quality management.

Review:

One of the most obvious trends in current environmental science is the growth of texts dealing with climate change. Increasing sophistication of the subject has allowed research into two main areas: highly focussed work into small aspects of a topic and general texts helping to synthesise large areas of the subject. The former have helped to push atmospheric science forward to an extent that would not have happened otherwise. At the same time, it becomes increasingly important to see where this work fits in - hence the latter category! This means, of course, that such synthesising work is also expanding its scope. Coupled with an increasing public interest (and demand for political response) there is an obvious need for texts which draw more people into the debate. The aim of Hewitt and Jackson's book is to draw together the basic scientific principles which underpin our understanding of atmospheric dynamics and present them to students/researchers but also (one would hope) those who shape public opinion and responses.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part deals with basic principles - one could almost say from the very beginning. Our opening chapter deals with the evolution of the Earth's atmosphere from its most primitive state to its current composition. Usefully there are comparisons with planets nearby. Chapter two is concerned with the basic of energy flow and the structure of the atmosphere. Here we see the parameters of radiation movement, absorption and transfer. To this point the discussion has been global - the next stage is to show some of the regional variations in climate with the aim being to highlight the key climatological variations. From this point the reader is shown aspects of specific areas. For example, chapter four is concerned with biochemical cycles (here seen as carbon, nitrogen, sulphur and halogens) and the way they interact in the atmosphere. From this point, the science is aimed far more at pollution and related climatological phenomena. Chapter five looks at sources of air pollution but using the primary/secondary divisions rather than the more usual air/water/land categories. Since the aim is to look at reactions within the atmosphere such a division has more utility. Also, it ties in with the next two chapters which deal with photochemistry (mainly in relation to ozone) and stratospheric chemistry. Chapters 8 and 9 could be seen as complementary to this because they are focussed on liquid and solid matter, their reactions and their implications in global warming. Chapters 10 and 11 turn to meteorology: the former to examine air pollution and the latter the synoptic chart. This latter chapter is very interesting for two main reasons. Firstly, its key task is to describe the key concepts behind weather and weather forecasting and this it does well. Secondly, the range of material covered highlights one of the main issues in atmospheric science. The chapter starts with highly technical detail including some of the calculations involved. It continues by describing how a frontal system works. This breadth from complex to simple is important. On then one hand the atmosphere is not simple and such range of complexity is needed if we are to understand what is happening. On the other hand those who would understand the synoptic chart might well be less confident with calculus. This becomes important when we need a public to understand complex meteorology in such issues as global warming. How this can be done remains an area of study. What we can say is that the issue must be confronted and texts such as this are one good way to start. A final chapter in this section deals with the deposition of material from the atmosphere.

Part two turns to applied science. Titled 'problems, tools and applications' we see how the work in part one can be used to help solve current issues. Problems exist at all scales as the first three chapters show us. Dealing with, respectively, global, regional and urban (i.e. local) problems one does get an opportunity to see how a change of scale can influence pollution issues. The remainder of the chapters take one set of measuring techniques in turn. Chapter 16 examines monitoring techniques of which the most common are the small automatic sampling systems seen near roads and motorways to assess pollution levels. Another way of gathering pollution data is to look at emission data. We start with a look at the way in which a range of nations deals with these issues and move on to examine specific case studies whilst finishing with a comparative study of London and Tokyo's responses to inventory management. It's all very well to monitor but the results must be put into some sort of framework if their significance is to be appreciated. Chapters 18 and 19 examine dispersal and climate modelling respectively. The final two chapters turn our attention to management through a study of critical levels and quality management.

This is a highly impressive text. Knowledge of atmospheric science has increased dramatically especially with our concern with global warming which makes the issue of what to include/exclude in such a text difficult. Whereas this is no beginner's text - a good deal of prior meteorological and mathematical knowledge is required - there is a wealth of information that can help understand the way our atmosphere works. A key drawback in our situation would be the price but it must be hoped that the value of this text will be realised and it be reprinted in a paperback edition.