Careers in Meteorology: Meteorologists Do More Than Just Gaze at the Sky

Greene, M. V., Diversity Employers

Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, is credited with many things scientific. One of them is his Meteorologica, the first major study of the atmosphere. Out of Aristotle's discourse came the term "meteorologist"--a person who studies the atmosphere.

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The field of meteorology has changed greatly since the days of the ancient, seafaring Greeks. Meteorology is a highly scientific and complex field that beckons skilled and talented professionals to observe naturally changing weather patterns and impart that information to society.

Quinton Williams, a physicist who chairs the department of Physics, Atmospheric Science and Geosciences at Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss., says when he asks students why they decided to major in meteorology, they often say something like "When I was a child I experienced a terrible storm or a tornado" or "I used to always go outside and wonder what makes the weather what it is."

Meteorology today is typically characterized by the understanding of sophisticated computer weather models, satellite imagery and real-time weather radar. Meteorology is a dynamic and innovative endeavor that provides career opportunities in government, military, the private sector and academia, along with media weather forecasting positions.

"The atmospheric sciences have progressed ... from a fledgling discipline to a global enterprise providing considerable benefits to individuals, businesses, and governments," stated a report from the National Research Council board, offering an outlook on the field in 1998 in advance of the new millennium.

"Through research and applications, the atmospheric sciences provide information that …

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Publication information: Article title: Careers in Meteorology: Meteorologists Do More Than Just Gaze at the Sky. Contributors: Greene, M. V. - Author. Magazine title: Diversity Employers. Volume: 36. Issue: 2 Publication date: February 2006. Page number: 38+. © 1998 IMDiversity, Inc. COPYRIGHT 2006 Gale Group.

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