This title includes easy-to-understand entries covering important concepts in climatology and the knowledge that this relatively new science offers. Climatology is the study of climate, and is related not only to weather, but to agriculture, urban planning, the economy, and political action. Climatologists research the averages of weather patterns related to climate over time. Weather forecasting, or meteorology, is one clear specialty related to climatology, but is more concerned with short term forecasts of weather. Climatology takes a much longer view. The more data scientists collect on the local, regional, and global level, the more information they gather on the factors, both natural and manmade, including global warming, that have an effect on climate. Includes photographs and illustrations to enhance understanding of concepts.