Recently, Introduction to Atmospheric Science (ISBN: 978 7 04 066823 0), compiled under the leadership of Academician Huang Jianping from Lanzhou University, has been officially published by Higher Education Press. As a core textbook for the Pilot Reform Project for Undergraduate Education and Teaching in Atmospheric Sciences of the Ministry of Education (referred to as the "101 Project"), this book will provide strong support for cultivating top notch innovative talents in atmospheric sciences in China.

The book consists of nine chapters. Its content traces the evolution from early human perceptions of weather phenomena to the development of modern atmospheric observation technologies, and conducts in depth analysis of internal mechanisms behind atmospheric physical, dynamic and chemical processes. Furthermore, the textbook expands from large scale atmospheric general circulation and weather systems to cutting edge numerical weather prediction and Earth system models, and finally addresses the highly topical issue of global climate change. Through step by step guidance, it helps students gain a profound understanding of the vital role atmospheric science plays in advancing harmonious co existence between humanity and nature.

Drawing on years of teaching experience and research accumulation, the compiling team has extensively incorporated the latest monographs and frontier research findings from home and abroad. This volume serves not only as an authoritative foundational textbook for undergraduates majoring in atmospheric sciences and related disciplines, but also as a key opening the door to this subject for weather enthusiasts. It aims to inspire young students' passion for exploring atmospheric mysteries and foster their scientific, dynamic and systematic thinking.

It is reported that the Ministry of Education's "101 Project" for atmospheric sciences was launched in October 2024. Led by Nanjing University, it is jointly developed by 28 universities and research institutes. The initiative seeks to tackle bottlenecks in talent cultivation for basic disciplines in the new era via targeted reform measures, and comprehensively boost high quality development of atmospheric science talents and high level self reliance in science and technology in China.

Image: Book cover of Introduction to Atmospheric Science

Written by: Zhang Guolong Edited by: Chen Hongyu