Introduction to Weather and Climate Discussion

Alex KubicekAOS 101 Discussion 302

learner.org

The Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Field Atmospheric science

The study of the atmosphere’s physical and chemical characteristics and processes Includes interactions between different systems From the ground to about 50 km above the Earth’s

surface

Oceanic Science The study of the ocean’s physical, biological, and

chemical characteristics and processes Includes topographical characteristics, ocean floor

composition, and depth and extent of each ocean

uwf.edu

Sub-fields

Meteorology Examine and report observations from day-to-day weather Study severe weather systems Forecast future weather systems and daily weather

attributes Climatology

Investigate weather trends and phenomena (El Niño) over long periods of time

Climate change

nasa.gov

Sub-fields Atmospheric chemistry

Studies pollution levels and examine the ozone layer

Essentially, studies composition and different levels of chemicals in the atmosphere

Atmospheric physics Investigates the dynamical

aspects of the atmosphere Energy and flow of the

atmosphere Oceanography

Explores ocean currents, interactions with the atmosphere, biological and chemical aspects

nature.berkeley.edu

www-paoc.mit.edu

Kids.nationalgeographic.com

Where Can an Atmospheric Scientist Work? Government

Military Research

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminstration (NOAA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), etc.

National Weather Service Issue warnings, increase accuracy of forecast models

Private Industry Consulting, radio and television stations,

insurance/risk management, etc. Academia

Teaching and research

Why Do We Care? Daily concerns

What to wear Travel plans

Agricultural and food concerns Safety Insurance and property damage Future

www.webmediamagazine.com

www.worldmate.com

www.kcowradio.com

QUESTIONS?