Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists
Additional Information
Duties
Atmospheric scientists share the following traits:
- Other atmospheric properties like dew point and wind speed can be monitored.
- Use computer models to study atmospheric data (also called meteorological data).
- Their modeling efforts will be aided by their own computer programs.
- Studying weather phenomena will improve your expertise.
- Create weather graphics for consumers.
- The current weather is reported.
- Obtain weather forecasts using computer models, satellite radar, and data from nearby weather stations.
- Participate in weather-related public education programs.
- Provide public warnings of severe weather such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and flash floods.
Atmospheric scientists employ high-tech equipment and software. Weather balloons, radar, and satellites all collect data. The data they collect and analyze is vital to understanding global warming and other issues. Atmospheric scientists regularly utilize graphics software to convey forecasts and reports to customers or the general public.
Agronomists and environmentalists frequently work together with atmospheric scientists to tackle challenges. A few atmospheric scientists work with hydrologists and government bodies to better manage water supply.
Atmospheric scientists are classified as follows:
Atmospheric chemists study the atmosphere's composition, reactivity, and measurement methods. They study climates, gases, cloud chemistry, and UV light, among other things.
Atmospheric physicists and dynamists study atmospheric dynamics. Astronomers can study terrain, solar events, and lightning.
TV, radio, and internet meteorologists provide public forecasts. They use graphics tools to produce maps and graphs to explain their forecasts. Weather reporters, journalists, and broadcast news experts also provide weather updates and predictions on television.
Long-term climatic shifts are studied statistically. Climatologists study the impacts of human-induced global climate change. It's a branch of paleoclimatology. They may collect samples from icebergs and other sources to provide paleoclimatologists with long-term atmospheric data.
Climate scientists study climate change. To forecast the future for months or even years requires complex mathematical models. Their discoveries can be used to assist build buildings, design HVAC systems, and boost agricultural output.
A forensic meteorologist uses many ways to determine the weather at a particular place and time. They study the role weather plays in unusual events like vehicle accidents and fires. Forensic meteorologists may be called to testify in court.
Meteorologists are continually refining their observation and forecasting techniques. Their work includes improving our understanding of climate, weather, and other atmospheric phenomena. Some meteorologists study the severe weather patterns that create hurricanes and tornadoes. Others are concerned about pollution in the air. Meteorologists who do study usually work with other scientists. They might work with computer scientists to develop new forecasting techniques or with oceanographers to study the ocean-atmosphere interaction. They may also work with instrument designers to produce novel data collection technologies.
Weather forecasters can generate predictions from minutes to weeks using computer and mathematical models. These forecasters create forecasts for the general public, specialist clients including airports, water transportation, shippers, utility corporations, and other businesses. To prepare for events like heat waves, they may provide power suppliers with projections. They also warn of harsh events like blizzards and storms. Some forecasters can estimate temperatures and precipitation using long-range outlooks based on historical data. They study weather patterns and forecasting techniques.
Some may become professors or postsecondary educators in atmospheric science.
Education
A bachelor's degree in meteorology or a related physical field is often required for atmospheric scientists. Courses in physics, mathematics, and computer programming may also be required for a degree in meteorology and atmospheric science.
A master's or Ph.D. in atmospheric science or a comparable subject is required for atmospheric scientists who engage in research. Program candidates needn't have a bachelor's degree in atmospheric science; a bachelor's degree in mathematics, science or engineering is often accepted.
Characteristics of Critical Importance
Analytical abilities. " To do research in the atmospheric sciences, scientists must be able to stay focused for long periods of time while working with computer models and large volumes of data.
Skills in verbal and nonverbal communication. In order for the information, they provide on the weather to be useful to the general public, atmospheric scientists must be able to express themselves and write coherently.
The ability to use critical thinking. Computer models and projections used by atmospheric scientists must be analyzed to identify the most likely conclusion.
Math prowess Atmospheric scientists build weather forecasting models with the use of sophisticated mathematics such as probability and statistics. As an example of how air pressure might impact temperature, they also employ mathematical computations to investigate these connections.
Training
To be able to utilize the equipment necessary to issue severe weather warnings, new National Weather Service atmospheric scientists and meteorologists must undergo training before starting work.
Pay
For atmospheric scientists and meteorologists, the May 2020 median annual salary was $99,740. There are two extremes of earnings in each given occupation: those earning more than the median and those earning less. Between the bottom 10% and the top 10% of earners, there was a wide disparity in income.
Job Projections
From 2020 to 2030, employment of atmospheric scientists, such as meteorologists, is expected to expand at a rate of 8%, on par with the overall average.