Atmospheric Sciences

Atmospheric Sciences is the interdisciplinary field dedicated to the study of the Earth's atmosphere, its processes, and its interactions with other components of the Earth system. It employs principles from physics, chemistry, and fluid dynamics to understand and predict phenomena ranging from short-term weather patterns and severe storms to long-term climate change and air quality issues. By examining the atmosphere's composition, structure, and motion, this field provides the foundational knowledge necessary for weather forecasting, climate modeling, and assessing the impacts of human activity on the global environment.

1. Introduction to Atmospheric Sciences
   1. Definition and Scope
      1. Definition of Atmospheric Sciences
      2. Subfields
         1. Meteorology
         2. Climatology
         3. Atmospheric Chemistry
         4. Atmospheric Physics
      3. Interdisciplinary Nature
   2. History of Meteorology and Climatology
      1. Early Observations and Instruments
      2. Development of Weather Forecasting
      3. Milestones in Climatology
      4. Technological Advances
         1. Satellites
         2. Radar
   3. The Earth System Context
      1. Components of the Earth System
         1. Atmosphere
         2. Hydrosphere
         3. Lithosphere
         4. Cryosphere
         5. Biosphere
      2. Atmosphere-Ocean Interactions
         1. Energy Exchange
         2. Ocean Currents and Climate
         3. El Niño and La Niña
      3. Atmosphere-Land Surface Interactions
         1. Surface Energy Balance
         2. Vegetation and Land Use Effects
      4. Atmosphere-Cryosphere Interactions
         1. Snow and Ice Feedbacks
         2. Polar Amplification
      5. Atmosphere-Biosphere Interactions
         1. Carbon Cycle
         2. Vegetation-Climate Feedbacks