Atmospheric Scientist

I. JOB SUMMARY

Main Topic: Physical Geography
Secondary Topic: Meteorology, Atmospheric sciences, Climatology

Overview:  Atmospheric scientists study different attributes of Earth’s atmosphere such as weather and climate, they study the weather and climate to understand how they affect human activity and the earth. They examine data gathered from different equipment such as the weather stations, weather balloons, radar systems and satellite images to make long and short term weather and climate forecasts. Some of these scientists also study atmospheric phenomena, such as the Northern Lights and trade winds. Atmospheric scientists typically work in weather stations, offices or laboratories and occasionally do fieldwork.

There are several types of atmospheric scientists including climate scientists. Climate scientists specifically work on modeling and theoretical foundations of climate change. The goal of climate scientists is the create complex mathematical models of the earth’s climate for months or even years. Many climate scientists work in the public sector for government agencies to better understand climate change. Some scientists work in the private sector consulting with businesses to design buildings, plan heating and air conditioning systems, and aid in efficient land use or agricultural production. Climate scientists are very reliant on quantitative and computer skills. This field of scientists is projected to continue growing.

These scientists can work in many areas which include meteorology and climate change research and can collaborate with wide range of academics from different fields such as geologists, physicists, environmental scientists and human geographers. The following are examples of job titles:

Meteorologists study weather, climate and other aspects of the atmosphere. They develop reports and forecasts from their analysis of weather and climate data.

Climatologists study and monitor long-term weather patterns such as months or centuries. They analyze scientific data to understand climate conditions and trends as well as use models to predict future climate patterns.

Aeronomy scientists study Earth’s upper atmospheres and other solar system bodies. These scientists study the chemistry, dynamics and energy balance of both neutral and charged particles in the transition region between the lower atmosphere and space.

Atmospheric Scientists need to understand the spatial dimensions and links between different environmental processes and how these elements interact and evolve in a changing world, which is a vital part of the study of Physical geography. The study of Atmospheric Science also means studying weather and climate and its impacts on human life on Earth. Hence, atmospheric scientists also need to be adept in the study of human geography.

Geographers at work:  Physical geographers, Cartographers, Meteorologists, Geologist, Environmental Geographers, Climatologists

Recommended College Courses:  Physical geography, Geographic Information Science, Climatology, Cartography, Geology, Environmental Management, Weather and Climate, Research Methods in Geography, Introduction in Environmental Geography, Air Quality Management, Meteorology

Skills: Understanding of computer models and massive amounts of data to determine the most likely outcomes, mathematics and statistical skills, geographic information systems, spatial skills and thinking, weather and climate map reading and interpretation, computer and database systems, remote sensing, geospatial technology, climate and weather forecasting, Quantitative Methods, Environmental Mapping and modeling, Field Methods, Meteorology, Computer programming, Statistics, Computer modeling

Occupation Group: Life, Physical and Social Science

Learn more about Atmospheric Scientists from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor:  https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/atmospheric-scientists-including-meteorologists.htm#tab-1