The National Atlas of the United States: A Review

Summary

This article reviews The National Atlas of the United States, published by the U.S. Geological Survey in 1971, with a focus on its climatic map section. Of the atlas's 335 map pages, 24 are devoted to climate, covering solar radiation, sunshine, precipitation, temperature, wind, air pollution, and storm tracks. Most maps are based on data from the 1931–1960 WMO Climatological Standard Normal period, though some employ varying time frames. The review notes that while the atlas is visually impressive, it has notable omissions: no maps depict cloudiness, fog, hail, drought, or visibility, and year-to-year variability is not addressed. A climatic regions map was also excluded, as experts deemed existing classifications inadequate for detailed national analysis. The author recommends that a future edition include these missing elements and adopt a loose-leaf format for greater flexibility. Overall, the atlas represents a valuable addition to U.S. climate documentation.