Powerful Geography
Air Quality Forecaster

Air Quality Forecaster

Air Quality Forecaster

I. JOB SUMMARY

Main Topic: Physical Geography
Secondary Topic: Environment and Society 

Overview: Air quality forecasters use scientific data, GIS and field studies to combat a worldwide problem: air pollution. While air quality has improved in North America over the past three decades, exposure to airborne pollutants still has a devastating effect on plant, animal and human life and habitats. While jobs vary from area to area, and may be project-specific in their scope, the following tasks are ones that air quality forecast personnel can expect to encounter on the job: Read current research and studies to maintain an understanding of developments in the fieldSurvey yields of economically important agriculture in relation to ozone levelsSurvey air pollution related illnessesProvide data to economists and policy makers to drive regulations for clean airCreate systems to warn the public when air pollution levels are above specified levelsDetermine criteria that may make a certain demographic more vulnerable to airborne pollutantsConduct fieldwork related toEnsure that existing emission control programs are implemented correctlyDetermine a rubric for 'incidental' or infrequent air pollution events and a process for alerting stakeholders effectivelyWork with commercial and private aviation agencies to plan and advise appropriate safety precautions when skies are hazyUse data to produce 1-3 day ozone forecastsDraw on climatological trends to determine ozone conditionsAnalyze and model statistical methods with linear regression equations to forecast future pollutionUse neural networks to understand and develop algorithms for patterning climate and pollution dataUse 3D modelling to mathematically represent the factors that affect ambient pollution levels. 

Geographers at work: Environmental Geographers, Health Geographers, Physical Geographers 

Recommended College Courses: Physical Geography, Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, Environmental Management, Quantitative Methods 

Skills: Geographic Information Science, Qualitative Methods, Quantitative Methods, Environmental Mapping and Modeling, Computer Programming, Field Methods, Meteorology, Computer Programming 

Occupation Group: Life, Physical, and Social Sciences

Learn more about Air Quality Forecaster from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mobile/environmental-engineering-technicians.htm

Learn more about Green Careers: https://www.bls.gov/green/greencareers.htm

Written by Christopher Hinojosa

II. POWERFUL GEOGRAPHIC KNOWLEDGE

An air quality forecaster analyzes atmospheric data and weather patterns to predict and communicate potential changes in air quality, helping the public and authorities make informed decisions to mitigate health and environmental impacts.
An air quality forecaster analyzes atmospheric data and weather patterns to predict and communicate potential changes in air quality, helping the public and authorities make informed decisions to mitigate health and environmental impacts.
Air quality management involves implementing strategies, regulations, and measures to monitor, improve, and maintain acceptable levels of pollutants in the atmosphere, safeguarding public health and the environment.
Air quality management involves implementing strategies, regulations, and measures to monitor, improve, and maintain acceptable levels of pollutants in the atmosphere, safeguarding public health and the environment.