Acta Climatologica et Chorologica XLVI. [antikvár]

PREFACE The present volume of Acta Climatológica et Chorologica Universitatis Szegediensis published by the Department of Climatology and Landscape Ecology, University of Szeged, is released on the occasion that in 2012 the department celebrates the 60th anniversary of its foundation. Since 60 years is a substantial period, the occasion deserves a little reminiscence: a brief review of the preludes of the foundation, the history of the following decades and in a bit more detail the educational and research work of the recent past and present. The first part of this volume contains this historical overview. On the other hand this volume also serves as a tribute , to the work of our colleague. Dr. László Makra, who also celebrates his 60"^ birthday this year. It summarizes his various publications, which cover a wide spectrum írom meteorological and climatological studies published in high-impact journals through books about his expeditions to China and other exotic lands to writings in different science magazines. He has been teaching and carrying out research in our department since 1976 so if his student years are included he has had close ties with the department for over 40 years. His successful work is reflected by the long list of his publications, which is included in the second part of this volume. We wish him perseverance and similar success in his future endeavors. The rest of the volume contains papers reflecting the latest research at the department as traditionally our journal provides pubhshing opportunities to our young and talented colleagues. Associate Professor László Makra November 2012 János Unger editor-in-chief, Acta Climatológica et Chorologica head of department, Department of Climatology and Landscape Ecology