The Polar Regions 165 VII THE ATMOSPHERE 166 Meteorology 166 Composition of the Atmosphere 166 Temperature 167 Upper Levels of the Atmosphere 167 Clouds 168 Precipitation 169 Floods; The Deluge 170 Winds 171 Atmospheric Circulation 172 Names of the Winds 173 Qualities of the Winds 174 Local Winds 175 Climatology 175 Hot and Cold Climates 176 Distribution of Climates 177 Climatic Differences Between East and West 177 Topographic Influences Upon Climate 177 The Sea 177 Mountains 178 Influence of Climate on Man 180 Climate of Rome 180 VIII THE WATERS 182 The Waters Above the Firmament 182 Rationalistic Beliefs 182 Literal Beliefs 183 Purpose of the Waters 184 The Congregation of Waters 184 Connection Between Seas and Rivers 185 The Earth Established on the Waters 186 The Oceans and Seas 187 Relative Areas of Land and Sea 187 Explanation of Uniform Level of Sea Surface 188 Salinity of the Sea 189 Tides 190 Lunar Causation 190 Terrestrial Causation 192 Giraldus Cambrensis’ Tidal Studies 194 Other Marine Phenomena Noted by Giraldus 196 St. Brandan and the Spirit of the Sea 197