The Giant Raindrop

Citizens of Salem, we have a difficult challenge facing us. Just a few hours ago, we were all excited about the amount of rain we were going to receive. Now we realize we did get something hugea giant raindrop that is large enough to cover and enclose the entire town. The next few hours are critical for Salem. The best scientists in the country are attempting to solve the problem, but the problem is very big, and the time is short.

"Citizens of Salem, we have a difficult challenge facing us. Just a few hours ago, we were all excited about the amount of rain we were going to receive. Now we realize we did get something huge--a giant raindrop that is large enough to cover and enclose the entire town. The next few hours are critical for Salem. The best scientists in the country are attempting to solve the problem, but the problem is very big, and the time is short."

Cloud physics has achieved such a voluminous literature over the past few decades that a significant quantitative study of the entire field would prove unwieldy. This book concentrates on one major aspect: cloud microphysics, which involves the processes that lead to the formation of individual cloud and precipitation particles. Common practice has shown that one may distinguish among the following addi tional major aspects: cloud dynamics, which is concerned with the physics respon sible for the macroscopic features of clouds; cloud electricity, which deals with the electrical structure of clouds and the electrification processes of cloud and precipi tation particles; and cloud optics and radar meteorology, which describe the effects of electromagnetic waves interacting with clouds and precipitation. Another field intimately related to cloud physics is atmospheric chemistry, which involves the chemical composition ofthe atmosphere and the life cycle and characteristics of its gaseous and particulate constituents. In view of the natural interdependence of the various aspects of cloud physics, the subject of microphysics cannot be discussed very meaningfully out of context. Therefore, we have found it necessary to touch briefly upon a few simple and basic concepts of cloud dynamics and thermodynamics, and to provide an account of the major characteristics of atmospheric aerosol particles. We have also included a separate chapter on some of the effects of electric fields and charges on the precipitation-forming processes.

Human beings need to breathe oxygen diluted in certain quantity of inert gas for living. In the atmosphere, there is a gas mixture of, mainly, oxygen and nitrogen, in appropriate proportions. However, the air also contains other gases, vapours and aerosols that humans incorporate when breathing and whose composition and concentration vary spatially. Some of these are physiologically inert. Air pollution has become a problem of major concern in the last few decades as it has caused negative effects on human health, nature and properties. This book presents the results of research studies carried out by international researchers in seventeen chapters which can be grouped into two main sections: a) air quality monitoring and b) air quality assessment and management, and serves as a source of material for all those involved in the field, whether as a student, scientific researcher, industrialist, consultant, or government agency with responsibility in this area.

What size and shapes are raindrops? Where do they come from? What happens when sea and air meet? These and many other questions take readers into the realms of meteorology, oceanography, physics, chemistry, and volcanology. "Packed with interesting and significant information." ? Florida Scientist. 57 photographs and illustrations.

From the creator of the wildly popular webcomic xkcd, hilarious and informative answers to important questions you probably never thought to ask Millions of people visit xkcd.com each week to read Randall Munroe's iconic webcomic. His stick-figure drawings about science, technology, language, and love have an enormous, dedicated following, as do his deeply researched answers to his fans' strangest questions. The queries he receives range from merely odd to downright diabolical: - What if I took a swim in a spent-nuclear-fuel pool? - Could you build a jetpack using downward-firing machine guns? - What if a Richter 15 earthquake hit New York City? - Are fire tornadoes possible? His responses are masterpieces of clarity and wit, gleefully and accurately explaining everything from the relativistic effects of a baseball pitched at near the speed of light to the many horrible ways you could die while building a periodic table out of all the actual elements. The book features new and never-before-answered questions, along with the most popular answers from the xkcd website. What If? is an informative feast for xkcd fans and anyone who loves to ponder the hypothetical.

Rain, in the African context, has a deep cultural significance. It symbolizes the prevalence of peace as a tirade against any cruel authority or fundamentalism of all kinds. Drop of Rain! is a unique, epic, surrealistic and long unparalleled poem . . .which is used ornamentally as a tender whisper of struggle and peace that offers unlimited thinking and space and uncovers the truth that toughens and softens the dark shades of human souls and the shape of the animus within our dreams from multi-textured life. It reveals the conscience, the consciousness and conscientiousness, the wit, care and foresight—to everyone who feels, thinks, sings, and dreams of Rain; to share that inner glowing, glorious, chorally co-operative music of rain and making of tomorrow—as a liberating and humanistic philosophy; to awaken societal and opinionated values and social intercourse. This poetry, I hope, offers a window on African humanity, in and beyond the continent; because the Rain is everywhere. Every Drop of Rain! has a poem to unite our beautiful world for a permanent global peace. ‘Personal Rain alone is not enough, Village Rain alone is not enough, Country Rain alone is not enough, African Rain alone is not enough, European Rain alone is not enough, American Rain alone is not enough and . . . ‘ A cow does not excrete its whole dung at once. Pula ga e ne! Let it rain in four corners of the world! Drop of Rain! will constantly invite your own freedom of interpretation as you enjoy the journey of reading it.

A glorious celebration of all the reasons to love the rain! Internationally acclaimed writer Kyo Maclear has partnered with printmaker Chris Turnham to create a colorful and lively celebration of rain. Flowers bloom in the garden. Umbrellas bloom on the streets. There are puddles for jumping and, later, a cozy home for hot chocolate and books. There's so much to love about the rain! • CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED AUTHOR: Kyo Maclear is an essayist and novelist who has written more than a dozen books for children. • GORGEOUS ART: Chris Turnham's print-making expertise—especially his masterful use of color and texture—spills over into the stunning images throughout this book. • TALENTED DUO: Publisher's Weekly said Kyo and Chris's debut book The Wish Tree "hums with understated everyday magic," while School Library Connection said it was a "warm and magical tale of friendship and the intrinsic beauty of nature." • CELEBRATES NATURE: Whether you love rain or sun, whether you are out-and-about or stuck inside, this book is a great reminder of the natural beauty all around us. • PERFECT FOR HOME OR SCHOOL: This book is an ideal fit for a cozy family read at home or school story time reading tied to curriculum about the weather or the seasons. • A BOOK TO COME BACK TO: Children will return to this book again and again to discover new details. Perfect for: • Parents, caregivers, and grandparents • Teachers and librarians • Nature-lovers • Those who love the rain or anyone living in rainy regions!