Scientific Serials

Abstract

American Meteorological Journal, April 1896.—A speculation in topographical climatology, by Prof. W. M. Davis. The author refers to certain relations between existing topographic features and climatic conditions, the study of which enable us to infer the vanished climates of the past by means of their still-preserved topographic products. He discusses at some length the records of arid and humid climates, the consequences of various glacial theories, &c., and suggests an exploration of the most critical regions by well-trained topographical climatologists, with the points at issue clearly in mind.—The new meteorological observatory on the Brocken, by A. L. Rotch. This observatory has an elevation of 3750 feet above the sea and is the highest mountain in Northern Germany. Observations, with some interruptions, were made between 1836 and 1869, and have now been resumed under the superintendence of the Prussian Meteorological Institute. The greatest difficulty in securing continuous observations is the frost, owing to which an anemometer cannot be kept in action, and much trouble is experienced with thermometers and rain-gauges; nevertheless, in addition to automatic records, direct observations are made thrice daily, from which important contributions will be added to our knowledge of the upper air. Further particulars of the work at this station will be found in Die Natur of the 26th ult. by Herr Koch, the Superintendent.