I worked with author Doctor Richard Hamblyn and publisher David & Charles in association with the Met Office on an updated in-depth book about different cloud types and how to understand the skies.
“You may have noticed, on a sunny spring or summer’s day, the first puff of cumulus cloud ‘bubble up’ by mid-morning”, writes Paul Gundersen, Met Office Chief Operational Meteorologist, in his foreword to the book. “On one day, many such clouds might develop quickly, spreading out into a layer of stratocumulus by noon and blotting out the sun. The next day, this may not occur – blue skies prevail. Have you ever wondered why? Or, if you live near the coast, have you ever noticed that in summertime such convective clouds form preferentially inland, leaving the coast clear?”
Some clouds are made of liquid water; others ice, or a mixture of the two. Some produce rain, snow or hail. Many produce absolutely nothing, despite their dark appearance. With spectacular photography and insightful explanations, this book helps readers to connect the scientific understanding with the beauty.
