Module 11: Meteorology

Earth's atmosphere is unique in the Solar System. No other planet has an atmosphere that regulates temperature and provides protection from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. The gases that make up Earth's atmosphere are essential to supporting life on the planet. Earth's atmosphere in conjunction with other Earth systems creates the weather. Though you may not always be aware of it, weather is something that affects your everyday life. The United States experiences a wide variety of weather, including several types of severe weather that can cause a great deal of damage.

While weather influences the lives of humans a great deal, humans can impact the atmosphere. The composition of the atmosphere is changing and there are many important issues such as air pollution, ozone depletion, and global warming that require serious scientific and political decision-making. Finding solutions to these issues will continue to play a large role in society for years, and perhaps even generations to come. This is just one reason why there is a need to increase knowledge and awareness of the structure and functions of Earth's atmosphere. In this module, you will investigate the atmosphere, weather, climate, weather maps, and the different types of severe weather.

Getting Started

Being a weather forecaster on television or radio might be the first thing you think of when you hear meteorologist, but people in the field of meteorology have a wide variety of career options. Meteorologists can work as research scientists and research specific areas of weather or climate. Government agencies such as NOAA and NASA have many meteorologists on staff. The military also uses meteorologists to observe and forecast the weather for military missions all over the world. Airlines, electric companies, farmers, cities, stadiums, hospitals, and road crews all consult with meteorologists for advice and guidance when making decisions. Meteorologists can also become teachers in classrooms and colleges. Take a moment to learn about the many roles a meteorologist may have. Visit the National Severe Storms Laboratory and listen to the podcast What career options are available to meteorology graduates? While you are listening to the podcast, consider if there are aspect of a meteorology career that interest you.

Key Vocabulary

To view the definitions for these key vocabulary terms, visit the course glossary.