While the federal government operates several hundred full- and part-time weather stations in the United States, given the size of the nation, many more stations are needed to fully define our weather and climate. The number of points is greatly expanded by the nation’s team of cooperative weather observers. These volunteers take vital temperature, rainfall, […]

Many scientists with training in physics work on atmospheric-related problems. These can include issues related to radar and radio wave propagation, optical propagation, acoustics and spectroscopy, to name just a few. The field can be highly theoretical and mathematical. There are also many observationally oriented programs in which new sensing systems are developed such as […]

Atmospheric chemistry is a scientific discipline that deals with the chemical constituents in our air. The problems addressed, often at a very highly theoretical level, include understanding and predicting stratospheric ozone levels, which are now known to be strongly influenced by chemicals injected into the atmosphere by humans. Closer to the ground, unraveling the problem […]

Weather is responsible for 85 percent of the U.S. areas declared a natural disaster area by the President. The average annual direct damage toll due to natural disasters in the United States has been running at about $6 billion. In recent years the toll has been much higher, such as 1989’s $15+ billion and 1992’s […]

The forensic meteorologist, who may act as either a background consultant or an actual testifying expert, will collect, interpret, and analyze atmospheric data in sup port of insurance fraud claim investigations, civil and criminal trials, and environ mental regulatory actions. The forensic meteorologist may be employed directly by an insurance company, the attorneys for either […]

On 7 November 1940, brisk winds of 30 - 35 mph caused the structure of the Narrows Bridge in Tacoma, Washington, to vibrate so excessively, the entire structure collapsed into the water. And “Galloping Gertie,” as the span was dubbed, entered the engineering Hall of Shame. But it also gave impetus to a field that […]

When weather forecasts can be used in conjunction with commodities trading, some significant profits can be generated (losses can be whopping, too). Three days’ notice of a killing freeze in the Florida citrus belt can be the signal to buy orange juice futures. An overnight rain in the parched soybean belt can drive prices down […]

How much does a bad winter cost the U.S. economy? The harsh winter of 1976-77 was estimated to cause $37 billion in direct economic losses due to lost retail sales, increased energy consumption, difficulties in transportation and industrial production, and crop losses. Advanced warning can help reduce some of these losses. Cold weather, for instance, […]

Meteorologists have played a central role in much of the air quality research and control efforts in the United States over the past several decades. Atmospheric conditions play a key role in predicting the diffusion and transport (collectively called dispersion) of pollutants. If a new power plant is to be built, it is necessary to […]

Crops are clearly sensitive to weather. And sometimes something can be done about it. Knowing that the next few days will be rain-free can prompt a farmer to make hay while the sun is shining, and thus maximize the yield. Forecasts of winds can assist in aerial application of chemicals while avoiding herbicide drift onto […]