This comprehensive reference explains in clear terms what we know about weather, from the everyday to the extreme. introduces students and other interested readers to the dynamic work of meteorologists and climatologists, specifically their efforts to mitigate the impact of weather events and climate change on people and the environment. The five separate volumes of focus on weather extremes; air masses and weather patterns; cyclones, hurricanes, and tornadoes; climate change; and the Earth and the sun. Each volume combines a wealth of scientific data, dramatic historical events, and the latest ideas and methods from the worlds of meteorology and climatology. What did we learn from the Dust Bowl? What are the consequences of Arctic melting? How do we protect cities near oceans from rising sea levels? These and other crucial questions are explored in this cornerstone reference.