Atmospheric Science
Atmospheric Science
Atmospheric science refers to a scientific discipline dedicated predominantly to the study of earth’s atmosphere.
Atmospheric science concerns the physics and chemistry of clouds, gases, and aerosols (airborne particles) that surround the planetary bodies of the solar system. Research in atmospheric science includes such varied areas of interest as:
Climatology — the study of long-term weather and temperature trends.
Dynamic meteorology — the study of the motions of the atmosphere.
Cloud physics — the formation and evolution of clouds and precipitation.
Atmospheric chemistry — the chemical composition of the atmosphere.
Atmospheric physics — the study of processes such as heating and cooling of the atmosphere.
Aeronomy — the study of the upper atmosphere.
Oceanography — the study of the Earth’s oceans and how they affect the atmosphere.
Most atmospheric scientists study the atmosphere of the Earth, while others study the atmospheres of the planets and moons in our solar system.
Atmospheric scientists may work in the following capacities: field research, laboratory studies and/or computer analysis and modeling. Good communication skills (oral and written) are necessary as atmospheric scientists attend conferences and workshops where they share their results with other researchers. They write papers and technical reports detailing the results of their research, give progress reports, and disseminate information to the public.