Atmospheric scientistsAtmospheric science is the study of the atmosphere—the blanket of air covering the Earth. Atmospheric scientists, commonly called meteorologists, study the atmosphere�s physical characteristics, motions, and processes, and the way in which it affects the rest of our environment. The best known application of this knowledge is in forecasting the weather. Aside from predicting the weather, scientists also attempt to identify and interpret climate trends, understand past weather, and analyze today�s weather. However, weather information and meteorological research also are 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, or ozone depletion. Atmospheric scientists who forecast the weather, known professionally as operational meteorologists, are the largest group of specialists. They study information on air pressure, temperature, humidity, and wind velocity; and apply physical and mathematical relationships to make short-range and long-range weather forecasts. Their data come from weather satellites, weather radars, sensors, and weather 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 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 tornadoes and other hazardous winds, and to monitor the storms� direction and intensity. Combined radar and satellite observations allow meteorologists to predict flash floods. 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. Related news articles Imagine Earth without people - Oct 12, 2006 New Scientist (subscription),...change to the point where methane may be released through other processes that we have no control over," says Pieter Tans, an atmospheric scientist at NOAA in ... Scientist lowers storm expectations - Oct 4, 2006 Baltimore Sun,In a report released yesterday, Colorado State University atmospheric scientist William Gray said he expects El Nino conditions to spawn only two more named ... Vote to fight warming - Oct 11, 2006 Denver Post,Will Colorado follow suit? Michael Mills ([email protected]) is an atmospheric scientist at CU-Boulder and interim director of Boulder Pride. Scientist Profile: Young Hurricane Expert - Sep 28, 2006 Ivanhoe Broadcast News,Klotzbach is the new atmospheric scientist at CSU Atmospheric Science responsible for predicting how many hurricanes will develop this year. ... Mysteries of Thunderstorms - Oct 9, 2006 Ivanhoe Broadcast News,Ice plays a big role in the amount of rain that you see." Walter Petersen, Ph.D., an atmospheric scientist at University of Alabama, Huntsville, tells Ivanhoe. ... Panelists discuss growing global warming concerns - Oct 9, 2006 Minnesota Daily,Mack McFarland, panelist and atmospheric scientist at DuPont, said businesses can be both environmentally friendly and profitable. ... Science and Technology - Oct 11, 2006 Nigerian Tribune,But it is one of the Earth’s least-understood properties, says Robert Charlson, a University of Washington atmospheric scientist in an interview with ... 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UW forecasts mild, dry el nino winter - Oct 4, 2006 KNDO/KNDU,UW water expert Alan Hamlet says there's a heightened risk of drought. Atmospheric scientist Nate Mantua expects the polar opposite of last winter's rains. ... Global Warming Questions - Oct 7, 2006 EcoWorld.com,We have just posted an in-depth feature story entitled “Global Warming Facts�? by the eminent and respected atmospheric scientist from MIT, Dr. Richard ... Get ready for an El Niño winter - Oct 4, 2006 TheNewsTribune.com (subscription),...supplies and fish. The odds favor a dry fall and a dry winter, UW atmospheric scientist Nate Mantua said Tuesday. “It’s the ... NASA's Earth Observing System Receives 2006 Space Systems Award - Sep 19, 2006 Yahoo! News (press release)...system and the implementation of an open scientific data policy was the work of a large number of individuals," said King, an atmospheric scientist at Goddard ... More information on Atmospheric scientists from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Atmospheric scientists occupation Number of Atmospheric scientists in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Atmospheric scientists Working conditions for Atmospheric scientists Significant points for Atmospheric scientists Training requirements for Atmospheric scientists Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |