The National Atlas of the United States: A Review

Summary

This review evaluates the climatic section of *The National Atlas of the United States*, a comprehensive government publication. Climate maps occupy 24 of its 335 map pages, covering solar radiation, sunshine, precipitation, temperature, pressure and winds, air pollution, and storms. Most maps rely on 1931–1960 climatological normals, though some employ shorter or inconsistent periods. A novel feature is the pressure‑wind map, which combines mean sea‑level isobars with 16‑point wind roses and resultant wind vectors; however, the 30‑year pressure normals are paired with only 10 years of wind data. The review notes that the maps are visually effective and well‑drawn, yet several climatic elements are missing: cloudiness, fog, hail, glaze, drought, reduced visibility, and year‑to‑year variability. The deliberate omission of a climatic regions map is explained by a lack of reliable large‑scale classifications. Comparison with earlier climatic atlases shows that while the new work is lavish, a cheaper black‑and‑white predecessor may suffice for purely climatic purposes. The review concludes that a second edition should fill the documented gaps, incorporate variability, and adopt a loose‑leaf format to improve flexibility and eliminate distortion at page folds. Overall, the atlas remains a welcome addition to U.S. climate documentation.