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{{Image|Global circulations cells.jpg|right|325px|The six global cells of air circulation.}}
{{Image|NASACompositeSatelliteImageOfEarth.jpg|right|325px|Composite satellite photos of Earth.}}
{{Image|100,000 ft above Oregon.jpg|right|325px|Approximately 100,000 feet above Oregon.}}
'''Meteorology''' is the interdisciplinary scientific study of the processes and phenomena of the [[atmosphere]], including [[weather]] studies and forecasting.<ref name=Hamblin>{{cite book|author=W.K.  Hamblin and E.H. Christiansen|title=Earth's Dynamic Systems|edition=10th Edition|publisher=Prentice Hall|year=2003|id=ISBN 0-13-142066-6}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=F.K. Lutgens and E.J.Tarbuck|title=The Atmosphere: A Introduction to Meteorology|edition=5th Edition|publisher=Prentice Hall|year=1991|id=ISBN 0-13-051475-6}}</ref>


'''Meteorology''' is the interdisciplinary scientific study of the processes and phenomena of the [[atmosphere]], including [[weather]] studies and forecasting.<ref name=Hamblin>{{cite book|author=W.K.  Hamblin and E.H. Christiansen|title=Earth's Dynamic Systems|edition=10th Edition|publisher=Prentice Hall|year=2003|id=ISBN 0-13-142066-6}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=F.K. Lutgens and E.J.Tarbuck|title=The Atmosphere: A Introduction to Meteorology|edition=5th Edition|publisher=Prentice Hall|year=1991|id=ISBN 0-13-051475-6}}</ref>
Meteorological phenomena are observable weather and other events which are explained by the science of meteorology. Those events are bound by the variables existing in [[Earth's atmosphere]] (such as [[temperature]], [[pressure]] and [[water]] [[Gas|vapor]]) and their gradients, interactions and how they vary with time.


Meteorology, [[climatology]], [[atmospheric physics]], and [[atmospheric chemistry]] are sub-disciplines of the [[atmospheric sciences]], which in turn is a sub-discipline of [[Earth science]].
Meteorology, [[Climate|climatology]], [[atmospheric physics]], and [[atmospheric chemistry]] are sub-disciplines of the [[atmospheric sciences]], which in turn is a sub-discipline of [[Earth science]].  


==Categories and sub-disciplines of meteorology==
==Categories and sub-disciplines of meteorology==
Meteorology has certain major categories, including but not limited to:


Meteorology has certain major categories, including but not limited to:
* ''[[Boundary layer meteorology]]:'' The study of processes in the [[atmosphere|atmospheric]] layer directly above [[Earth]]'s surface, known as the [[Planetary boundary layer|atmospheric boundary layer]] (ABL)<ref>{{cite book|author=J.R. Garratt|title=The Atmospheric Boundary Layer|edition=|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=1994|id=ISBN 0-521-46745-4}}</ref>
 
* ''[[Mesoscale meteorology]]:'' The study of atmospheric phenomena within a vertical scale that starts at the Earth's surface and includes the atmospheric boundary layer, the [[troposphere]], the [[tropopause]], and the lower section of the [[stratosphere]]. The majority of Earth's observed weather is in the troposphere.<ref>{{cite book|author=Horace R. Byers|title=General Meteorology|edition=4th Editions|publisher=McGraw-Hill|year=1974|id=ISBN 0-07-009500-0}}</ref>
 
* ''[[Physical meteorology]]:'' The study of physical aspects of the atmosphere such as [[rain]], thunderstorms, pressure fronts, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.


*[[Boundary layer meteorology]]: The study of processes in the [[atmosphere|atmospheric]] layer directly above [[Earth]]'s surface, known as the [[Planetary boundary layer|atmospheric boundary layer]] (ABL)<ref>{{cite book|author=J.R. Garratt|title=The Atmospheric Boundary Layer|edition=|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=1994|id=ISBN 0-521-46745-4}}</ref>
* ''[[Synoptic meteorology]]:'' The analysis and forecast of large-scale weather systems.


*[[Mesoscale meteorology]]: The study of atmospheric phenomena within a vertical scale that starts at the Earth's surface and includes the atmospheric boundary layer, the [[troposphere]], the [[tropopause]], and the lower section of the [[stratosphere]]. The majority of Earth's observed weather is in the troposphere.<ref>{{cite book|author=Horace R. Byers|title=General Meteorology|edition=4th Editions|publisher=McGraw-Hill|year=1974|id=ISBN 0-07-009500-0}}</ref>
* ''[[Dynamic meteorology]]:'' Focuses on the theoretical laws of [[physics]] pertaining to the atmosphere.


*Physical meteorology: The study of physical aspects of the atmosphere such as [[rain]], thunderstorms, pressure fronts, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.
Meteorology also has many specialized sub-disciplines such as:


*[[Synoptic meteorology]]: The analysis and forecast of large-scale weather systems
* ''[[Weather forecasting]]:'' The application of science and technology to predict the state of the atmosphere for a given location at a given time.
* ''[[Aviation meteorology]]:'' The study of the effects of weather conditions on the control of air traffic.
* ''[[Agricultural meteorology]]:'' The study of the effects of weather and climate conditions on everything related to [[agriculture]].
* ''[[Hydrometeorology]]:'' A combination of [[hydrology]] and meteorology which focuses on things such as the [[hydrologic cycle]] and the water budget as well as forecasts and statistics of heavy rainfall and heavy snow storms.
* ''[[Atmospheric chemistry]]:'' A branch of atmospheric science in which the [[chemistry]] of the [[Earth's atmosphere]] and that of other planets is studied.
* ''[[Air pollution dispersion modeling]]:'' The mathematical simulation of how air pollutants disperse in the ambient atmosphere. It is performed with computer programs, called dispersion models, that solve the mathematical equations and algorithms which simulate the pollutant dispersion.
* ''[[Nuclear meteorology]]:'' Studies of the distribution of radioactive substances in the atmosphere.
* ''[[Maritime meteorology]]:'' Deals with [[wind]] and wave forecasts for ships operating at sea.


*[[Dynamic meteorology]]: Focuses on the theoretical laws of [[physics]] pertaining to the atmosphere
==Meteorologists==
Meteorologists are [[scientist]]s who study meteorology. Meteorologists work in [[Government|government agencies]], private consulting and research services, industrial enterprises, public utilities, [[radio]] and [[Television|television stations]], and in [[education]].


Meteorology also has many specialty sub-disciplines such as:
Meteorologists are best known for forecasting the weather. Many radio and television weather forecasters are professional meteorologists, while others are merely reporters with no formal meteorological training. The [[American Meteorological Society]] and [[National Weather Association]] issue "Seals of Approval" to weather broadcasters who meet certain requirements.


* Weather forecasting
Many professional meteorologists work in the field of air pollution dispersion modeling and [[Air quality index|air quality]] monitoring. The American Meteorological Society also bestows the title of "Certified Consultant Meteorologist" to such professionals who meet certain requirements.
* Aviation meteorology
* Agricultural meteorology
* [[Atmospheric chemistry]]
* [[Air pollution dispersion modeling]]


==History==
==History==
The beginnings of meteorology in India can be traced back to ancient times. In fact, early philosophical writings of the 3000 B.C. era, such as the Upanishads (philosophical texts  considered to be the source of the [[Hinduism|Hindu religion]]), contain serious discussion about the processes of cloud formation and rain and the seasonal cycles caused by the movement of [[Earth]] around the [[Sun]].<ref>[http://www.imd.gov.in/doc/history/history.htm History of Meteorology in India.]</ref>
{{Image|Bust of Aristotle.jpg|right|350px|A marble bust of [[Aristotle]].}} It was the Greek philosopher and scientist [[Aristotle]] (384–322 BC) who was the first to use the word meteorology in his book Meteorologica (ca. 340 BC) which summarized the knowledge of that time about [[atmosphere|atmospheric]] phenomena. He wrote about [[Cloud (meteorology)|clouds]], rain, [[snow]], [[wind]], and [[climate change|climatic changes]], and although many of his findings later proved to be incorrect, many were insightful.<ref name =jrank>[http://science.jrank.org/pages/4278/Meteorology.html Meteorology]</ref>
Although systematic recording of weather data began in about the fourteenth century, the lack of weather measuring [[instruments (measurement)|instruments]] made only visual observations possible at that time. The real scientific study of atmospheric phenomena started later with the invention of devices to measure weather data: the [[thermometer]] in about 1600 for measuring [[temperature]]; the [[barometer]] for measuring [[atmospheric pressure]] in 1643 by [[Evangelista Torricelli]] (1608-1647), Italian mathematician and physicist, from an idea by [[Galileo Galilei]] (1564-1642); the [[anemometer]] for measuring [[wind speed]] in 1667; and the hair [[hygrometer]] for measuring [[humidity]] in 1780.


Greek philosopher and scientist [[Aristotle]] (384–322 BC) was the first to use the word meteorology in his book Meteorologica (ca. 340 BC) which summarized the knowledge of that time about [[atmosphere|atmospheric]] phenomena. He wrote about [[cloud]]s, rain, [[snow]], [[wind]], and [[climate change|climatic changes]], and although many of his findings later proved to be incorrect, many were insightful.<ref name =jrank>[http://science.jrank.org/pages/4278/Meteorology.html Meteorology]</ref>
In 1793, [[John Dalton]] published a treatise on extensive meteorological observations in the area of Manchester, England, with a second edition in 1834, containing thousands of observations and establishing him as a pioneer meteorologist.<ref>John Dalton. (1834) [http://books.google.com/books?id=Ot8KAAAAIAAJ Meteorological Observations and Essays: By John Dalton. (Free Full-Text)] Harrison & Crosfield, for Baldwin and Cradock, London.</ref> In 1802, the first [[cloud classification]] system was formulated, and in 1805, a [[wind scale]] was first introduced.


Although systematic recording of weather data began in about the fourteenth century, the lack of weather measuring [[instruments (measurement)|instruments]] made only visual observations possible at that time. The real scientific study of atmospheric phenomena started later with the invention of devices to measure weather data: the [[thermometer]] in about 1600 for measuring [[temperature]], the [[barometer]] for measuring [[atmospheric pressure]] in 1643, the [[anemometer]] for measuring [[wind speed]] in 1667, and the hair [[hygrometer]] for measuring [[humidity]] in 1780. In 1802, the first [[cloud classification]] system was formulated, and in 1805, a [[wind scale]] was first introduced. These measuring instruments and new ideas made possible gathering of actual data from the atmosphere giving the basis for [[scientific theory|scientific theories]] for properties of the atmosphere (pressure, temperature, humidity, etc.) and its governing [[Law (physics)|physical laws]].<ref name=jrank/>
These measuring instruments and new ideas made possible gathering of actual data from the atmosphere giving the basis for [[scientific theory|scientific theories]] for properties of the atmosphere (pressure, temperature, humidity, etc.) and its governing [[Law (physics)|physical laws]].<ref name=jrank/>


In the early 1840s, the first weather forecasting services started with the use of the [[telegraph]] to transmit meteorological information.  
In the early 1840s, the first weather forecasting services started with the use of the [[telegraph]] to transmit meteorological information.


By the 1940s, upper-air measurements of pressure, temperature, wind and humidity clarified more about the vertical properties of the atmosphere. In the 1950s, [[radar]] became important for detecting [[precipitation]] over a [[remote area]]. <ref name=jrank/>  
By the 1940s, upper-air measurements of pressure, temperature, wind and humidity clarified more about the vertical properties of the atmosphere. In the 1950s, [[radar]] became important for detecting [[precipitation]] over a [[remote area]]. <ref name=jrank/>  


In 1960, the first meteorological [[satellite]] was launched to provide 24-hour monitoring of weather events worldwide. These satellites now give three-dimensional data to high-speed computers for faster and more precise [[weather predictions]]. Computers still have their capacity limits and [[computer simulation#weather|weather prediction models]] still contain many uncertainties.<ref name=jrank/> Incidentally, investigations about these uncertainties led to the discovery, by [[Edward Norton Lorenz]], of [[chaos]] as a property of some [[complex system]]s
In 1960, the first meteorological [[satellite]] was launched to provide 24-hour monitoring of weather events worldwide. These satellites now give three-dimensional data to high-speed computers for faster and more precise [[weather predictions]]. Computers still have their capacity limits and [[computer simulation#weather|weather prediction models]] still contain many uncertainties.<ref name=jrank/> Incidentally, investigations about these uncertainties led to the discovery, by [[Edward Norton Lorenz]], of [[chaos]] as a property of some [[complex system]]s
<ref name=Lorenz1963>{{citation
<ref name=Lorenz1963dnf>{{:CZ:Ref:Lorenz1963dnf}}</ref>. In this context, it is perhaps not surprising that many complicated issues remain at the forefront of meteorological [[research]], including [[air pollution]], [[climate change]], [[ozone hole]], and [[acid rain]] issues.
| last = Lorenz | first =  E.N.
| year = 1963
| title = Deterministic Nonperiodic Flow
| journal = Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences
| volume = 20
| issue = 2
| pages = 130–141
| doi = 10.1175/1520-0469(1963)020<0130:DNF>2.0.CO;2
| url = http://ams.allenpress.com/perlserv/?request=get-abstract&doi=10.1175%2F1520-0469(1963)020%3C0130%3ADNF%3E2.0.CO%3B2
}}</ref>. In this context, it is perhaps not surprising that many complicated issues remain at the forefront of meteorological [[research]], including [[air pollution]], [[climate change]], [[ozone hole]], and [[acid rain]] issues.


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

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(PD) Image: NASA
The six global cells of air circulation.
(PD) Photo: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Composite satellite photos of Earth.
(PD) Photo: Justin Hamel and Chris Thompson
Approximately 100,000 feet above Oregon.

Meteorology is the interdisciplinary scientific study of the processes and phenomena of the atmosphere, including weather studies and forecasting.[1][2]

Meteorological phenomena are observable weather and other events which are explained by the science of meteorology. Those events are bound by the variables existing in Earth's atmosphere (such as temperature, pressure and water vapor) and their gradients, interactions and how they vary with time.

Meteorology, climatology, atmospheric physics, and atmospheric chemistry are sub-disciplines of the atmospheric sciences, which in turn is a sub-discipline of Earth science.

Categories and sub-disciplines of meteorology

Meteorology has certain major categories, including but not limited to:

  • Mesoscale meteorology: The study of atmospheric phenomena within a vertical scale that starts at the Earth's surface and includes the atmospheric boundary layer, the troposphere, the tropopause, and the lower section of the stratosphere. The majority of Earth's observed weather is in the troposphere.[4]
  • Physical meteorology: The study of physical aspects of the atmosphere such as rain, thunderstorms, pressure fronts, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.

Meteorology also has many specialized sub-disciplines such as:

Meteorologists

Meteorologists are scientists who study meteorology. Meteorologists work in government agencies, private consulting and research services, industrial enterprises, public utilities, radio and television stations, and in education.

Meteorologists are best known for forecasting the weather. Many radio and television weather forecasters are professional meteorologists, while others are merely reporters with no formal meteorological training. The American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association issue "Seals of Approval" to weather broadcasters who meet certain requirements.

Many professional meteorologists work in the field of air pollution dispersion modeling and air quality monitoring. The American Meteorological Society also bestows the title of "Certified Consultant Meteorologist" to such professionals who meet certain requirements.

History

The beginnings of meteorology in India can be traced back to ancient times. In fact, early philosophical writings of the 3000 B.C. era, such as the Upanishads (philosophical texts considered to be the source of the Hindu religion), contain serious discussion about the processes of cloud formation and rain and the seasonal cycles caused by the movement of Earth around the Sun.[5]

© Giovanni Dall'Orto
A marble bust of Aristotle.

It was the Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle (384–322 BC) who was the first to use the word meteorology in his book Meteorologica (ca. 340 BC) which summarized the knowledge of that time about atmospheric phenomena. He wrote about clouds, rain, snow, wind, and climatic changes, and although many of his findings later proved to be incorrect, many were insightful.[6]

Although systematic recording of weather data began in about the fourteenth century, the lack of weather measuring instruments made only visual observations possible at that time. The real scientific study of atmospheric phenomena started later with the invention of devices to measure weather data: the thermometer in about 1600 for measuring temperature; the barometer for measuring atmospheric pressure in 1643 by Evangelista Torricelli (1608-1647), Italian mathematician and physicist, from an idea by Galileo Galilei (1564-1642); the anemometer for measuring wind speed in 1667; and the hair hygrometer for measuring humidity in 1780.

In 1793, John Dalton published a treatise on extensive meteorological observations in the area of Manchester, England, with a second edition in 1834, containing thousands of observations and establishing him as a pioneer meteorologist.[7] In 1802, the first cloud classification system was formulated, and in 1805, a wind scale was first introduced.

These measuring instruments and new ideas made possible gathering of actual data from the atmosphere giving the basis for scientific theories for properties of the atmosphere (pressure, temperature, humidity, etc.) and its governing physical laws.[6]

In the early 1840s, the first weather forecasting services started with the use of the telegraph to transmit meteorological information.

By the 1940s, upper-air measurements of pressure, temperature, wind and humidity clarified more about the vertical properties of the atmosphere. In the 1950s, radar became important for detecting precipitation over a remote area. [6]

In 1960, the first meteorological satellite was launched to provide 24-hour monitoring of weather events worldwide. These satellites now give three-dimensional data to high-speed computers for faster and more precise weather predictions. Computers still have their capacity limits and weather prediction models still contain many uncertainties.[6] Incidentally, investigations about these uncertainties led to the discovery, by Edward Norton Lorenz, of chaos as a property of some complex systems [8]. In this context, it is perhaps not surprising that many complicated issues remain at the forefront of meteorological research, including air pollution, climate change, ozone hole, and acid rain issues.

References

  1. W.K. Hamblin and E.H. Christiansen (2003). Earth's Dynamic Systems, 10th Edition. Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-13-142066-6. 
  2. F.K. Lutgens and E.J.Tarbuck (1991). The Atmosphere: A Introduction to Meteorology, 5th Edition. Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-13-051475-6. 
  3. J.R. Garratt (1994). The Atmospheric Boundary Layer. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-46745-4. 
  4. Horace R. Byers (1974). General Meteorology, 4th Editions. McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-009500-0. 
  5. History of Meteorology in India.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Meteorology
  7. John Dalton. (1834) Meteorological Observations and Essays: By John Dalton. (Free Full-Text) Harrison & Crosfield, for Baldwin and Cradock, London.
  8. Lorenz, E.N. (1963), "Deterministic Nonperiodic Flow", Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences 20 (2): 130–141