METEOROLOGY 49 



an- obtained by telephone, telegraph, wireless, &c., and comprise 

 the barometric height, the wind force and direction, temperature, 

 -tate of the weather as regards precipitation, cloud, &c. A study 

 of the isobars as regards distribution, shape and steepness is of 

 primary importance from the point of view of forecasting. 



CLIMATE. By climate of any region is meant the kind of 

 \\eather experienced in that region. Clearly this statement will 

 be the result of a large number of observations extending over a 

 considerable period. Regions differ with regard to climate on 

 account of various factors, e.g., proximity to the sea, geographical 

 latitude, configuration, altitude, soil and vegetation, &c. 



The main meteorological phenomena on which the climate will 

 depend have already been described and include temperature, pre- 

 cipitation in all its forms, winds, &c. 



Climates may be classified according as they depend on temper- 

 ature and humidity : cold or arctic, temperate, hot or tropical, 

 insular and continental. 



Further information on " Meteorology " will be found in the Observers' 

 Handbook and Meteorological Glossary issued by the Meteorological Office. 



