Synoptic climatology uses information obtained from dynamic climatology. That information explains how and when a weather element will come into a specific area. The differences of the two fields are subtle. Science does not see synoptic climatology as a recognized field of study yet.
Dynamic climatology seeks to understand climate using all the available information. That includes past and present records, as well as, forecasting what will happen in the future based on that information. Synoptic climatology uses the same records within a limited area. Jacobs is the first scientist credited with its use. These two types of climatology use similar reference points and data to arrive at forecasts. Because of this similarity, if often proves difficult to separate the two.
Dynamic climatologists want to bring atmospheric factors into their data. That way, it provides more pertinent information to the average person. For instance, volcanic smoke and ash can change the weather patterns in some areas. These can bring cooler than normal temperatures.
Tor Bergeron was the first scientist to use these words together. However, his book, Guidelines for a dynamic climatology, is only available in the German language. Willet, in 1931, in the Monthly Weather Review compares current climatology to dynamic climatology by stating that scientists have many charts describing many aspects of weather by very little information describing how the atmosphere affects the weather elements.
Synoptic climatology uses statistics, determinations, and averages much more than dynamic climatology. This type offers new terminology; words like polar front cyclone and easterly wave. It uses localized words to describe how the elements move. Other disciplines of science rely on the reports obtained by synoptic climatology predictions. Entomology and epidemiology are two noted users. This is not currently an accepted field of study. It only occurs loosely in specific areas and with certain weather elements.
Dynamic climatology uses many aspects of physics in its data, such as mountain ranges and how they affect the atmosphere and weather. In this field, experiments in the lab, ready-made equations and solutions that these equations may suggest are tests used.
Synoptic climatology looks at air pressure and thickness of the air. It also follows the highs and lows as they cross the map. This type generally uses temperature as a constant. Then it adds variables like space, time, point, changes in distribution and interaction with other weather elements. Scientists seek to obtain data that reflect the local and regional climates by comparing them with atmospheric movements.
