An Introduction to the Science and History of Weather
What is Meteorology? The term “meteorology” actually refers to the study of metéros, which is Greek for “things in the air,” rather than “meteors.” These “things” include atmospheric phenomena like temperature, air pressure, and water vapor, and their interactions and temporal variations, which we generally refer to as “weather.” In addition to studying the behavior of the atmosphere, meteorology also deals with weather forecasting, the chemistry of the atmosphere (the gases and particles that make it up), the physics of the atmosphere (its fluid motion and the forces that operate upon it), and the biology of the atmosphere.
A branch of natural science that seeks to describe and forecast the behavior of nature based on empirical data, or observation, is meteorology.
A meteorologist is someone who studies or works in the field of meteorology professionally.
Science of the Atmosphere vs. Meteorology
Ever notice how “atmospheric sciences” is more frequently used than “meteorology”? The study of the atmosphere, its processes, and its interactions with the hydrosphere (water on Earth), lithosphere (earth), and biosphere (all living things) are together referred to as atmospheric sciences. One branch of atmospheric science is meteorology. Another is climatology, which is the study of how the atmosphere modifies climates over time.
When Did Meteorology Start?
The first mention of meteorology may be found in Aristotle’s work Meteorologica, which he wrote in 350 BC. In this work, the Greek philosopher addressed his ideas and scientific discoveries on weather phenomena and water evaporation. (He is given credit for creating meteorology because his writings on the weather are some of the earliest known to exist.) Although research in the field dates back millennia, it wasn’t until the development of tools like the barometer and thermometer, as well as the widespread use of weather observation on ships in the 18th, 19th, and late 20th centuries AD, that significant advancements in understanding and predicting weather occurred. The development of the computer in the latter half of the 20th century brought to the meteorology we know today.
Vilhelm Bjerknes, who is regarded as the father of modern meteorology, had the idea for numerical weather prediction, but it wasn’t until then that they were developed.
The 1980s and 1990s saw the mainstreaming of meteorology.
It’s difficult to imagine not having access to weather at our fingertips thanks to weather websites and applications. The weather has always been important to people, but it hasn’t always been as simple as it is now. The 1982 introduction of The Weather Channel, a television network whose entire schedule was devoted to in-studio prediction programs and local weather forecasts (Local on the 8s), was one event that helped propel weather into the spotlight.
The Ice Storm (1997), Hard Rain (1998), and Twister (1996) are just a few of the films about weather disasters that contributed to an increase in interest in the weather outside of daily forecasts.
Why Meteorology Is Important
There aren’t just old texts and classes full of meteorology. Every day, it impacts our safety, social plans, travel, and comfort. In order to stay safe every day, it’s crucial to pay attention to the weather and weather alerts. Understanding what is real and what isn’t is critical since climate change and extreme weather are now more dangerous than ever to our global community.
Although the weather has an impact on every employee in some way, only a small number of jobs outside of the weather sciences require formal training or knowledge in the subject. The list includes emergency management professionals, oceanographers, pilots, and others in the aviation industry.