This book fills a significant gap in the climatological literature, providing a comprehensive assessment of the climates of the southern hemisphere. It is the first book of its type to provide a consolidated view of the climates of southern Africa, Australia, South America and Antarctica, addressing past and future climates as well as those of the present. Present climates are considered in the first part of the book, to provide a background against which past and future climates can be investigated. Emphasis in the book is on the inter-relatedness of global, synoptic and smaller scale aspects of southern hemisphere continental climates. Discussion of topical, but fundamental, concerns including El Niño, global warming and climate variability is incorporated throughout the text. The study of the climatology of the southern hemisphere is fundamental to our understanding of climates and climatic issues across the globe. The book will therefore be of particular interest to scientists interested in climate with a focus beyond the southern hemisphere, as well as those with a specialised interest in all or part of the southern hemisphere. It is also a significant addition to the literature for climate researchers as well as for undergraduate students studying climatology in the atmospheric, environmental and earth sciences.

Southern Hemisphere Overview. Present Climates of Southern Africa. Present Climates of Australia and New Zealand. Present Climates of South America. The Climate of the Antarctic Region. Past Climates of Southern Africa. Past Climates of Australasia. Past Climates of South America. Future Climate Scenarios for the Southern Continents.