B.J. Hoskins - Böcker

At many times in the geological past the climate of the Earth appears to have been significantly different from that at the present time. Some of the consequences of the Quaternary "icehouse" are beginning to be better understood. However, during the Mesozoic era our planet appears to have been generally more equable (a"greenhouse earth"). Crucial evidence for the existence of major continental ice-caps and associated tundra zones is lacking. The purpose of this book is to faciliate the integration of available geological information - the incomplete evidence relating to Mesozoic palaeoclimates - with insights that may be derived from climate modelling of a meteorological character (e.g. GCM's). By such an integration of meteorological and geological approaches future patterns of possible climate change, and the localized consequences of such changes, may be better predicted. The book shows what can begin to be achieved when information, techniques and insights from a wide range of fields are considered together.The juxaposition of climate modelling, geological collations and interrelational interpretations should make this book of particular use to researchers and postgraduate students working and teaching in the broad areas of environmental studies and climate change, as well as others in the more conventional areas of the Earth and atmospheric sciences. This book should be of interest to postgraduates and researchers in earth science, geography and environmental sciences; particularly in palaeoclimatology and climate modelling.