The Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences (JAS) has long been, and continues to be, one of the most respected publications within the field. As with each of the other journals, AMS tracks page counts on a periodic basis to determine what trends, if any, are developing over time that might suggest that a change in publication frequency would be beneficial. Over the past five years, the pattern of submission and publication of JAS papers, combined with the 24 issues per year schedule, has led to increasing variability in issue size, as well as production inefficiencies.
As a result, beginning with the January 2005 issue, JAS will become a monthly publication. This will result in 12 substantial issues each year and will have the added benefits of streamlining production and reducing overhead production costs. As always, Special Issues will be a part of the mix, and two regular issues (Part 1 and Part 2) may occasionally be published in the same month if the volume of content makes that necessary.
For further information about this change, please feel free to contact Ken Heideman, AMS Director of Publications at kheideman@ametsoc.org. I look forward to another stimulating year supervising this important journal and thank you in advance for the continuing excellent contributions that ensure its ongoing success.
