The Emergence of Numerical Weather Prediction:
Richardson's Dream
Peter Lynch, University College Dublin
Cambridge University Press
Hardback. (ISBN-13: 9780521857291 | ISBN-10: 0521857295)
Lewis Fry Richardson dreamt that scientific weather prediction would one day
become a practical reality. Before his ideas could bear fruit several advances
were needed: better understanding of the dynamics of the atmosphere; stable
computational algorithms to integrate the equations; regular observations of
the free atmosphere; and powerful automatic computer equipment. By 1950
advances in all these fronts were sufficient to permit the first computer
forecast to be made. Over the ensuing fifty years progress in numerical weather
prediction has been dramatic. Weather prediction and climate modelling have now reached a high level of sophistication.
This book tells the story of Richardson's
trial forecast, and the fulfilment of his dream of
practical numerical weather forecasting. It includes a complete reconstruction
of Richardson's forecast, and
analyses in detail the causes of his failure. This will appeal to everyone
involved in numerical weather forecasting, from researchers and graduate
students to professionals.
- Includes a complete reconstruction of Richardson's
forecast and analyses, in detail, the causes of his forecast failure
- Presents a comprehensive account of the emergence of modern weather
prediction.
- Discusses the key topic of atmospheric balance on full detail.