Atmospheric sciences and meteorology prepares people to study weather processes and climate trends. Students learn about the air that surrounds the Earth - its makeup and movement. They learn to forecast changes in weather. They also learn about the effect of pollution on the atmosphere.
When Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" didn't make it into the storm cellar in time, we all know what happened to her. A tornado lifted her house off the ground and spun it around and around. It's too bad she didn't have more warning. Today, however, meteorologists are able to use computers to track storms and warn us so that we won't end up somewhere over the rainbow.
Did you know the thermometer was invented around 1600 AD? Shortly after that, the barometer was invented. For the longest time, these were the only instruments early scientists had to predict the weather. This is fine if you just want to know what the weather is right now. It does not, however, help people such as farmers make long-term plans. Luckily, technology has changed this.
Predicting day-to-day weather is only one thing meteorologists do. Some researchers gather and analyze weather data to look for long-term trends such as global warming. You learn how pollution in the air can change the climate and other global systems. Other researchers study weather patterns to help people and industries deal with droughts or excess rain. Some studies focus on the wind and its effects, such as wind shear; you can use this knowledge to help make air travel safer. You also learn about hurricanes and how to predict their path.
By learning to use tools such as satellites and radar, you can help protect people from the effects of severe weather. With your training in this program, you can help make a difference for our planet and future generations.
About 75 colleges in the U.S. offer a bachelor's program in atmospheric sciences and meteorology. This program takes about four years beyond high school. Programs accredited by the American Meteorology Society prepare you to do forecasting for the National Weather Service.
An advanced degree is required if you plan to go into research. In addition, such a degree opens the door to many more professional opportunities. About 40 universities offer graduate programs in atmospheric sciences and meteorology. A master's degree usually takes six years beyond high school, and a Ph.D., two or three more years beyond that.
A Ph.D. degree is required for most advanced research positions and some government agencies.
Some possible areas of concentration include:
• Physical Meteorology - study of the atmosphere's chemical and physical properties; transmission of light, sound, and radio waves; weather phenomena such as clouds and rain
• Climatology - the science of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting past records of wind, rainfall, sunshine, and temperature in specific areas or regions to discern trends
• Operational Meteorology - study of weather forecasting, air pressure, temperature, humidity, wind velocity