 Atmospheric
science is the study of the atmosphere. Atmospheric scientists, commonly
called meteorologists, study the atmosphere's physical characteristics,
motions, and processes, and the way in which these factors affect the
rest of our environment. The best known application of this knowledge is
forecasting the weather. In addition to predicting the weather,
atmospheric scientists attempt to identify and interpret climate trends,
understand past weather, and analyze today's weather. Weather
information and meteorological research are also applied in
air-pollution control, agriculture, forestry, air and sea
transportation, defense, and the study of possible trends in the Earth's
climate, such as global warming, droughts, and ozone depletion.
 Atmospheric
scientists who forecast the weather are known as operational
meteorologists; they are the largest group of specialists. These
scientists study the Earth's air pressure, temperature, humidity, and
wind velocity, and they apply physical and mathematical relationships to
make short-range and long-range weather forecasts. Their data come from
weather satellites, radars, sensors, and stations in many parts of the
world.
 Meteorologists use sophisticated computer models of the world's
atmosphere to make long-term, short-term, and local-area forecasts. More
accurate instruments for measuring and observing weather conditions, as
well as high-speed computers to process and analyze weather data, have
revolutionized weather forecasting. Using satellite data, climate
theory, and sophisticated computer models of the world's atmosphere,
meteorologists can more effectively interpret the results of these
models to make local-area weather predictions. These forecasts inform
not only the general public, but also those who need accurate weather
information for both economic and safety reasons, such as the shipping,
air transportation, agriculture, fishing, forestry, and utilities
industries.
 The
use of weather balloons, launched a few times a day to measure wind,
temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, is currently
supplemented by sophisticated atmospheric satellite monitoring equipment
that transmits data as frequently as every few minutes. Doppler radar,
for example, can detect airflow patterns in violent storm systems,
allowing forecasters to better predict thunderstorms, flash floods,
tornadoes, and other hazardous winds, and to monitor the direction and
intensity of storms.
 Some
atmospheric scientists work in research. Physical meteorologists, for
example, study the atmosphere's chemical and physical properties; the
transmission of light, sound, and radio waves; and the transfer of
energy in the atmosphere. They also study factors affecting the
formation of clouds, rain, and snow; the dispersal of air pollutants
over urban areas; and other weather phenomena, such as the mechanics of
severe storms. Synoptic meteorologists develop new tools for weather
forecasting using computers and sophisticated mathematical models of
atmospheric activity. Climatologists study climactic variations spanning
hundreds or even millions of years. They also may collect, analyze, and
interpret past records of wind, rainfall, sunshine, and temperature in
specific areas or regions. Their studies are used to design buildings,
plan heating and cooling systems, and aid in effective land use and
agricultural production. Environmental problems, such as pollution and
shortages of fresh water, have widened the scope of the meteorological
profession. Environmental meteorologists study these problems and may
evaluate and report on air quality for environmental impact statements.
Other research meteorologists examine the most effective ways to control
or diminish air pollution.
Note:
Some resources in this section are provided by the the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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