The Barometer Handbook

Description

Frankly, this is one of the most important books to appear in the last few years. If you care anything at all about predicting your own weather, you should read this book. And reading it was a pleasant surprise, for it is quite engaging — not nearly as dry as the title might suggest.

Everyone knows about barometers and how they predict changing weather. But few know the wide range of accuracy to be expected (and required) for serious weather analysis. In this book, Burch explains the difference between high and low quality instruments, how to identify them, and how their readings are used to forecast weather changes. Attention is given to analysis of the newer electronic barometers, some costing much less than their mechanical brethren. Other subjects include: reading and care of barometers, their calibration and their selection. An important chapter discusses the role that accurate pressure readings, rather than mere changes or trends, play in marine weather forecasting. SC, 2009, 240 pgs. (List price $29.95) SW 1.0 lb