Meet our Editor: Prof. Thomas Foken
Springer Handbook of Atmospheric Measurements, a definitive reference for meteorologists, environmental physicists, ecologists and practitioners from related disciplines, was published early 2022. In this interview, the book’s Editor, Prof. Thomas Foken, talks about how and why he chose the field of atmospheric science and his experience editing the book.
line
Which phenomenon or application of atmospheric measurements influences your own daily life the most?
Atmospheric phenomena and their measurements have interested me since my childhood. At the age of 14, I started to observe the weather, first measuring with self-made devices, but very soon with the "real" ones. The view of sky and the measurements of various phenomena with different measuring systems and the analysis of the data up to the daily view on the weather map have accompanied me my whole life. I am fascinated not only by the spectacular atmospheric events such as thunderstorms and storms but also by the formation of very local climate phenomena.
What are the biggest challenges for the field still ahead?
We find processes in the atmosphere in all spatio-temporal scales. Due to their spatio-temporal averaging, measurements - similar is true for models - are only able to capture a small spectral range. Selectively combining different measurement techniques to capture the full spectrum of atmospheric processes is an ongoing challenge for scientists and technicians. My co-authors and I hope that the sensitization to this problem in chapter 1 of the handbook has been successful.
Why did you pursue a career in this particular field?
I have combined hobby with profession. My career path from maritime meteorology to micrometeorology with strong experimental and instrumental references was almost straightforward, as there were countless exciting topics to investigate and questions to find answers. The connection with teaching was very satisfying for me. Many of my graduates are now very involved in science, teaching, and other fields.
What has been the most exciting part of your research?
The most impressive were probably the experiments in remote areas of the Earth; from the Russian steppes to Antarctica and up to the Tibetan plateau. The contacts and friendships with many colleagues, some of whom are also authors and reviewers of this book, have enriched my life and and research.
How would you describe the experience of editing the book?
The handbook was a special challenge for me as an editor. I already had my experience with books with contributions from different authors, but a handbook required intensive collaboration with the authors to establish a uniform style, which first had to be developed in discussion with professional colleagues. The final proofreading - in close cooperation with the publisher - again proved to be very time-consuming. However, the joy of the final product, the hopefully successful work, outweighed this.
For whom is this book a “must-read”?
I hope that the book will have a very wide appeal - from an atmospheric scientist to a measuring ecologist to a technician. To this end, the book describes not only individual instrument groups, but also measurement procedures as a combination of different instruments, including measurements at the interface with the soil and the biosphere. The book should appeal to all who in any way measure the atmospheric phenomena or use any measurement data.
How and whom can the research in this field help in the context of the grand societal challenges, e.g. climate change?
Climate, climate change and their communication are inevitable vocation for me. This book deals with this only marginally, but reliable measurement data are a basic prerequisite for scientifically researching and documenting climate change.
Anything else you would like to add?
The book is written at a turning point between classical measurement technology in meteorology with many sophisticated measuring instruments to a phase of miniaturization and standardization of sensor technology. It is perhaps the last chance to present the history and modern developments together in one book. I would be pleased if the readers also get interesting insights into the history of measurement technology with the book, which after all goes back to a 500-year development.
line
Further information: