What Does the Work of a Meteorologist Involve?
Meteorologists study the Earth's atmosphere in order to learn about its physical aspects, including its movements and its processes. Meteorology is a science that is vital in a wide variety of ways, from knowing if it will be a good day for a picnic to picking the right spot for major construction projects. The complexity of this science means that meteorologists work in several different fields with both theoretical and practical applications.
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Climate Research
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Atmospheric meteorologists use their expertise to research the effects of and changes to the planet's climate in comparison with historical data. The main aim is to assess the dangers of climatic changes, what is causing them, and if they can be counteracted. The question of global warming is one such field of research where the scientists are using powerful computers to collect and compare past and present atmospheric conditions worldwide.
Weather Forecasting
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On the smaller, short-term but more public scale, some meteorologists use their research to predict weather conditions. The scientists in this field monitor local atmospheric conditions and use air pressure, temperature, wind speed and humidity to determine the most probable future weather conditions. Meteorologists compile information from weather satellites and radar along with data from remote sensors on the planet, plus reports from observers.
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Teaching
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Some meteorologists choose to use their skills and knowledge to teach the next generation of scientists. They work at all levels of education, from the lowest grades, using meteorology to support a general science teaching job, to college and postgraduate levels. In higher education, these scientists, as teachers, help support the students in learning and research projects as they earn their own meteorological degrees.
Private Research
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Some meteorologists start their own consulting companies, providing a service to businesses related to atmospheric concerns. A company planning a new airport, for example, might enlist a private meteorologist to assess potential building sites. Airports obviously need areas that do not have regular high winds and the scientists can perform studies to assess this. They can also advise on climate control needs within a building based on likely predictable climate patterns in an area.
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References
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