The Structure of the Atmosphere in Clear Weather A Study of Soundings with Pilot Balloons

Originally published in 1912, this book presents the result of various experiments performed between 1908 and 1909 into the wind currents in the air above the surface layers of our atmosphere. Cave rigorously details the background to each experiment, which were done with pilot balloons tracked with a theodolite, and makes meteorological drawings based on the findings of each experiment. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in meteorological history and the methodology of meteorological experiments before computers.

List of illustrations; Introduction; 1. The structure of the atmosphere as disclosed by the observations of pilot balloons at Ditcham; 2. The methods of observing; 3. Checks on the accuracy of the methods of representing the results of the observations; 4. The rate of ascent of balloons theoretical and observed; leakage of gas from balloons; the relation of the vertical motion of balloons to the ground contours; 5. Summary of results and the relation of the wind to the surface pressure distribution; 6. Changes of the wind during the day and during consecutive days; 7. The wind in the stratosphere; 8. Rate of increase of wind velocity near the surface; 9. General results; relation of vertical wind distribution to surface pressure distribution.