Atmospheric Scientist
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 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. 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 astronomer 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
Recommended College Courses: Physical geography, Geographic Information Science, Climatology, Cartography, Geology
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
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
Written by Binay Thapa