CLOUDS

An exploration of the science of clouds coupled with artistic renditions of the subject matter.

In this marriage of art and science, author Graham, award-winning lecturer, atmospheric scientist, and former editor-in-chief of Weather, the flagship journal of the Royal Meteorological Society, explores the ephemeral nature of clouds. As he contends, “Clouds have intrigued us since time immemorial,” a notion that inspired his approach to this book, combining “modern meteorology with cloud studies by some of the greatest artists ever to look skyward.” Throughout, Graham shares fascinating scientific facts and data regarding the formation of clouds, with accompanying charts, tables, and a glossary, including a discussion of the water cycle, principal cloud types, classification of clouds, and the history of cloud naming. As Graham notes, the nomenclature for clouds remained largely unchanged for centuries until smart technology gave rise to unknown cloud formations. The author discusses various color phenomena seen in clouds, including iridescence, marked by “soft hues and muted, delicate wavy repetitions,” and ice crystal haloes, spectacular optical effects typically found in polar and high-mountain climates. “Why,” Graham ponders, among the plethora of choices, “are we biased toward Cumulus being the typical cloud?”—the archetype chosen by most since our first scribble. Among the accompanying artistic works judiciously included for illustrative purposes are The Scream by Edvard Munch, depicting nacreous clouds, the “harbingers of doom”; The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh, depicting noctilucent clouds, which appear illuminated in contrast to the darkening evening sky; and Foggy Winter Day. To the Left a Yellow House. Deep Snow by Laurits Andersen Ring, depicting the sereness of nimbostratus clouds.

Readers passionate about the skies and the artists who have studied them will find this book captivating.