The Forms of Water in Clouds and Rivers, Ice and Glaciers

"The Forms of Water in Clouds and Rivers, Ice and Glaciers" by John Tyndall is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The author explores the intricate relationships between various forms of water in nature, illustrating concepts related to clouds, rivers, and glaciers through a combination of observation, experimental results, and theoretical discussions. The book serves as an accessible introduction to the phenomena surrounding water in its different states, as well as the scientific principles underlying them. The opening of the text establishes a thoughtful and engaging narrative about the connections between natural occurrences. Tyndall begins by discussing the origins of rivers, emphasizing that they derive from rain which in turn comes from clouds—explaining this cycle with clear, relatable observations. He introduces readers to the mechanisms behind rainfall and snow through discussions of condensation and the sun's role in promoting evaporation, with a focus on observable phenomena like clouds forming above a locomotive or the behavior of steam. This introductory portion sets the stage for a deeper exploration of glacial movements and the physical laws governing these natural processes, all while maintaining an approachable style aimed at widening public understanding of science. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John Tyndall (; 2 August 1820 – 4 December 1893) was an Irish physicist and chemist. His scientific fame arose in the 1850s from his study of diamagnetism. Later he made discoveries in the realms of infrared radiation and the physical properties of air, proving the connection between atmospheric CO2 and what is now known as the greenhouse effect in 1859.