Atmospheric Science

Unit 1 – Intro to Earth's Atmosphere

Unit 2 – Atmospheric Composition and Structure

Unit 3 – Solar Radiation and Earth's Energy Balance

Unit 4 – Atmospheric Thermodynamics

Unit 5 – Atmospheric Moisture and Clouds

Unit 6 – Atmospheric Stability and Instability

Unit 7 – Atmospheric Pressure and Wind Systems

Unit 8 – Global Circulation and Climate Zones

Unit 9 – Air Masses and Fronts in Mid-Latitude Cyclones

Unit 10 – Severe Storms: Thunderstorms and Tornadoes

Unit 11 – Tropical Weather and Hurricane Systems

Unit 12 – Weather Forecasting & Numerical Prediction

Unit 13 – Atmospheric Chemistry & Air Pollution

Unit 14 – Stratospheric Ozone: Depletion and Recovery

Unit 15 – Climate Change and Global Warming

Unit 16 – Climate Change: Ecosystem & Society Impacts

Unit 17 – Climate Change: Mitigation & Adaptation

Unit 18 – Atmospheric Remote Sensing Techniques

## What do you learn in Atmospheric Science

Atmospheric Science covers the Earth's atmosphere, weather patterns, and climate systems. You'll explore air composition, atmospheric circulation, and energy transfer processes. The course delves into weather forecasting, climate change, and atmospheric chemistry. You'll also learn about severe weather events, air pollution, and the impact of human activities on the atmosphere.

## Is Atmospheric Science hard?

Atmospheric Science can be challenging, especially if you're not a fan of physics or math. It involves complex concepts and requires a good grasp of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and chemistry. That said, if you're interested in weather and climate, you'll probably find it fascinating. The hardest part is usually wrapping your head around the 3D nature of atmospheric processes.

## Tips for taking Atmospheric Science in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Practice interpreting weather maps and satellite imagery regularly
3. Stay up-to-date with current weather events and try to explain them using course concepts
4. Form a study group to discuss complex topics like atmospheric dynamics
5. Use online resources like NOAA's website for additional data and explanations
6. Watch weather forecasts critically, trying to understand the reasoning behind predictions
7. Consider reading "The Weather Machine" by Andrew Blum for a deeper dive into forecasting
8. Check out documentaries like "Chasing Coral" to see climate change impacts in action

## Common pre-requisites for Atmospheric Science

1. Calculus: This course covers differentiation, integration, and their applications. It's crucial for understanding the mathematical models used in atmospheric science.

2. Physics: You'll learn about mechanics, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics. These concepts form the foundation for understanding atmospheric processes.

3. Chemistry: This course introduces atomic structure, chemical reactions, and gas laws. It's essential for grasping atmospheric composition and pollution concepts.

## Classes similar to Atmospheric Science

1. Oceanography: Explores the physical and chemical properties of the world's oceans. You'll learn about ocean currents, marine ecosystems, and ocean-atmosphere interactions.

2. Climatology: Focuses on long-term weather patterns and climate systems. You'll study climate classification, climate change, and paleoclimatology.

3. Meteorology: Dives deep into weather forecasting and analysis. You'll learn about weather systems, severe weather, and forecasting techniques.

4. Environmental Geoscience: Examines the interaction between geological processes and the environment. You'll study topics like natural hazards, resource management, and environmental impact assessment.

## Majors related to Atmospheric Science

1. Meteorology: Focuses on the study of weather and short-term climate prediction. Students learn advanced forecasting techniques and atmospheric dynamics.

2. Environmental Science: Examines the interaction between human activities and the natural environment. Students study a wide range of topics including air and water quality, ecosystem management, and sustainability.

3. Earth System Science: Integrates knowledge from various earth science disciplines. Students explore the interactions between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere.

4. Climate Science: Concentrates on long-term climate patterns and changes. Students delve into paleoclimatology, climate modeling, and the impacts of global climate change.

## What can you do with a degree in Atmospheric Science?

1. Meteorologist: Analyzes weather data and creates forecasts for various industries. They might work for TV stations, government agencies, or private companies.

2. Climate Scientist: Studies long-term climate patterns and their impacts. They often work on climate change research, policy development, or environmental consulting.

3. Air Quality Specialist: Monitors and assesses air pollution levels and their effects on health and the environment. They might work for environmental agencies or consulting firms.

4. Atmospheric Researcher: Conducts studies on various atmospheric phenomena. They often work in academic institutions or research laboratories, advancing our understanding of the atmosphere.

## Atmospheric Science FAQs

1. How much math is involved in Atmospheric Science? There's quite a bit, especially in upper-level courses. You'll use calculus, statistics, and sometimes differential equations.

2. Can I become a TV weather forecaster with this degree? Absolutely! Many TV meteorologists have degrees in Atmospheric Science or Meteorology.

3. Is climate change a big part of the curriculum? Yes, it's typically covered extensively. You'll learn about the science behind climate change, its impacts, and potential mitigation strategies.

4. Are there opportunities for fieldwork or internships? Many programs offer fieldwork experiences and encourage internships. These can involve weather balloon launches, storm chasing, or working with local weather offices.

Earth Science

1.2 Earth's atmospheric system and its interactions

1.3 Fundamental atmospheric processes and phenomena

1.1 History and scope of atmospheric science

2.2 Vertical structure and layers of the atmosphere

2.3 Atmospheric density, pressure, and temperature profiles

2.1 Chemical composition of the atmosphere

3.2 Earth's energy balance and greenhouse effect

3.3 Radiative transfer and atmospheric absorption

3.1 Solar radiation and electromagnetic spectrum

4.3 Thermodynamic diagrams and their applications

4.1 Laws of thermodynamics applied to the atmosphere

4.2 Adiabatic processes and potential temperature

5.2 Cloud formation processes and classification

5.3 Precipitation types and formation mechanisms

5.1 Water vapor and humidity measurements

6.1 Static stability and instability

6.3 Atmospheric soundings and stability indices

6.2 Convection and buoyancy

7.1 Pressure gradients and geostrophic balance

7.3 Local and regional wind systems

7.2 Coriolis force and its effects on atmospheric motion

7.4 Boundary layer dynamics

8.1 General circulation of the atmosphere

8.2 Hadley, Ferrel, and polar cells

8.4 Climate classification systems

8.3 Jet streams and their influence on weather

9.1 Air mass characteristics and classification

9.2 Frontal systems and their properties

9.3 Mid-latitude cyclone structure and life cycle

10.1 Thunderstorm formation and structure

10.2 Supercell thunderstorms and tornadogenesis

10.3 Severe weather phenomena and their impacts

11.1 Tropical cyclone formation and structure

11.2 Hurricane intensification and decay processes

11.3 Tropical cyclone forecasting and impacts

12.1 Basic principles of weather forecasting

12.4 Weather data analysis and interpretation

12.2 Numerical weather prediction models and techniques

12.3 Ensemble forecasting and probabilistic predictions

13.2 Air pollution sources and types

13.3 Atmospheric transport and dispersion of pollutants

13.1 Atmospheric chemical composition and reactions

13.4 Air quality monitoring and management

14.2 Causes and mechanisms of ozone depletion

14.3 Montreal Protocol and ozone recovery efforts

14.1 Ozone chemistry and the ozone layer

15.3 Observed and projected climate changes

15.1 Greenhouse gases and their sources

15.2 Radiative forcing and climate feedback mechanisms

15.4 Climate modeling and future scenarios

16.3 Socioeconomic consequences of climate change

16.1 Climate change effects on terrestrial and marine ecosystems

16.2 Impacts on water resources and agriculture

17.1 Greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies

17.2 Renewable energy technologies and policies

17.3 Climate change adaptation planning and implementation

18.2 Ground-based and in-situ measurement systems

18.4 Data assimilation and integration techniques

18.3 Radar and lidar applications in atmospheric science

18.1 Satellite-based atmospheric observations

Browse all Atmospheric Science Key Terms

About Us

Resources

Stay Connected

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

Resources

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Back

Next