Meteorology is the science of predicting the weather. As with many of the sciences, many overlap into other sciences. In learning how to predict the weather, a person needs to know about geography and climate for a particular area as well as how to read the clouds and the atmosphere. Knowing how the oceans affect climate has forecasters more accurately provide forecasts. Atmospheric physics and chemistry also are sciences that meteorologists need to know.
Rain, wind, and the instruments used to measure each came about in the 15th century. Other instruments used in meteorology include weather station, buoy or ship. These places collect the data that makes forecasting more accurate. Thermometers, barometers, anemometers, and hygrometers make recording of this data easy.
Climatology, the study of climate relies on the past as well as the future to make predictions. It uses historical weather events while meteorology uses the actual weather systems that occur today to keep us safe. Climatology uses wave patterns and behavior such as El Nino Southern Oscillation and other oscillations of the ocean waves in its forecasting.
Geography tells all about the topography of the land where the mountains and plains are and how that affects the weather. Winds blowing toward the mountains from the ocean cool the area. Winds from the deserts bring warmer hotter weather. Geography also provides the longitude and latitude lines that help weathermen know where a particular event will happen.
Atmospheric physics bring the equipment to meteorology. Radiation, cloud physics, atmospheric electricity and tide and aerology, the study of the atmosphere which involves working with balloons, satellites and sounding rockets.
Atmospheric chemistry seeks to eliminate and control pollution. Things like acid rain, ozone depletion, photochemical smog, and global warming are topics studied in this area.
Meteorologists use formulas; so, math also is a related science that helps weathermen tells us what type of weather to expect. These formulas show relative humidity. With the results, weathermen can predict hot, wet days that may lead to tornadoes or hurricanes. The variables used in these formulas include temperature, air pressure, water vapor, and the changes that occur over months or years.
Weather forecasting involves science and technology. Computer science helps forecasters see the weather from different perspectives so they can more accurately tell the public what type of weather will occur at a specific time. According to NASA’s Earth Observatory, satellites provide data from around the world even in remote areas where phones and computers cannot go.
All these sciences give data the makes it easier to know what type of weather may come to a specific region. Also, they help to keep the public safe from disasters.
