Microclimate for cultural heritage
A new report outlining results of EU-funded research for the protection of cultural heritage has recently been published. This book, entitled "Microclimate for Cultural Heritage", aims to fill a gap in the literature related to this aspect of atmospheric physics, which involves the application of the thermodynamic processes of clouds, or the dynamics of the planetary boundary layer, to a monument surface or to the room of a museum. The report is based on direct experience in a large number of case studies, the majority of which were funded by the European Commission's research programmes - Environment and Climate, and the preceding programme, Science and Technology for Environmental Protection (STEP). The text also incorporates lectures given by the author, Professor Dario Camuffo, and original contributions from scientific journals and presentations at international symposia. The book has been designed as a useful microphysics handbook for conservationists and specialists in chemistry, physics, architecture, engineering, geology and biology who work in the field of environmental protection and conservation of cultural heritage. It combines theoretical background with laboratory research, field surveys and practice. Divided into two parts, the first part "Atmospheric physics applied to microclimate analysis and conservation" is a concise treatise on microphysics, documenting the basic concepts, especially on classical, kinetic and statistical thermodynamics, which are necessary for environmental diagnostics and conservation of cultural heritage objects. The second part "Performing microclimate field surveys" is devoted to practical utilization, and shows in detail how measurements should be performed, complemented with suggestions and examples and the indication of some common errors that should be avoided for the protection of our common cultural heritage.