(Extract from the preface)The principal purpose of this book is to demonstrate the unique capabilities of modern remote sensing instruments for the observation and monitoring of such complicated natural zones as the tropics. The aim of the first part of the book is to substantiate the scientific rationale for low latitude studies (Chapter 1) and to consider the subject of low latitude processes and their interactions with global climate change. Emphasis has been laid on the specific features of low latitude conditions, such as tropical cyclones (Chapter 2), the mesoscale tropical systems (Chapter 3), the dynamic ocean features in tropical parts of ocean (Chapter 4), the temperature and humidity structure of the tropical atmosphere (Chapter 5).

All terms defined and explained in the glossary are included in an alphabetical list. An index helps to find a particular term easily and gives an overview of the terms included. Very often descriptive text, related terms, synonyms and antonyms are given in addition to the proper definition to help the reader to understand the term in its context and practical use. Sources have been specified for all the definitions or different parts of a definition and the descriptive text. The definition given is the one preferred and commonly used by FAO. Whenever useful or necessary, a general or basic definition has been added to a term which is defined for the purpose of integrated resource planning and management or related subjects. Where no agreement has been yet reached or definitions vary significantly from each other, more than one definition has been listed.

In late 1997, southern and central Somalia were hit by unprecedented floods affecting the lives and livelihoods of an estimated one million people. This Evaluation reviews Phase I of the international response to the floods - the Somalia Inter-Agency Flood Response Operation - between November and 3 1st December 1997. The Inter-Agency Flood Response Operation was a complex and expensive logistics operation to distribute emergency assistance to scattered and isolated flood affected populations. It was also a test of the international humanitarian system's capacity to respond to an acute emergency in a country which has been without a government for six years.br Overall, Phase I of the Somalia Inter-Agency Flood Response Operation is evaluated as a success. Humanitarian agencies in Somalia demonstrated their capacity and capability to respond to short term humanitarian needs. While the initial objective of the operation to 'rescue' flood affected populations was not fulfilled, the objectives to ameliorate the immediate humanitarian effects of the floods and avert a nutritional and health crisis in the worst affected areas were, by and large, achieved. The opportunity was taken to apply past lessons learned from working in Somalia, and innovative programming was apparent in several areas. The inter-agency character of the operation was commendable and the level of codment and collaboration that was achieved establishes an important precedent for future humanitarian operations in Somalia. This report seeks to record these achievements, as well as identify areas where the humanitarian system in Somalia could be strengthened.

This document is designed to facilitate the exchange of information and experience related to Soil resources, their use and management. The document provides a framework for international soil classification and an agreed common scientific language to enhance communication across disciplines using soil information. It contains definitions and diagnostic criteria to recognise soil horizons, properties and materials and gives rules and guidelines for classifying and subdividing soil reference groups.

Land is the basis of human society because it provides food, water, energy, clothing and shelter. Land resources, however, are finite and becoming scarce in Africa and elsewhere. Problems of inappropriate land uses, population growth, over-exploitation of natural assets and environmental degradation are complex and long-term. They are exacerbated by their linkage with poverty, inequality and social conflicts because many people have inadequate access to land or to the benefits from its use. It is commonly agreed that tenure of land - and land policy in a broader context - is a fundamental variable in agrarian and rural development. Land tenure insecurity, associated with local political conflicts and gender inequality, for example can be a key factor in land degradation (The World Bank, Agenda 21,FAO).