The present volume, Nr. 5 in the T: VS series is an example of a
handbook volume for working in vegetation science. Anyone working and
teaching in this field knows the difficulties in obtaining basic
environmental da- ta needed for research and interpretation. There are
regional publications and there are other data sets availa- ble. In both
cases the distribution is limited. The present volume by Dr. Muller
intends to provide a selection of climatic parameters as they are
commonly needed for the work of the vegetation scientist. The same set
of monthly mean values are provided for about 1000 stations distributed
as evenly as possible over the global land surfaces. The tabular
presentation of data from the individual stations is put into a
geographical context through va- rious means. Climatological
classifications according to KOPPEN/GEIGER and TROLL/PAFFEN are inclu-
ded as well as a revised system of climate diagrams from WALTER and
LlETH. In the present form the glo- bal standard climate data set should
prove to be useful for vegetation science, biometeorology, agriculture,
and forestry as well as general geography. I have to thank Dr. Muller
for providing this valuable work to the T: VS series. I am sure that
this selection of climatic data for the special needs of vegetation
scientists will help many colleagues in different parts of the world.