Meteorology

Meteorology is the scientific study of the atmosphere that focuses on weather processes and forecasting. As a major field within the atmospheric sciences, it involves observing, understanding, and predicting atmospheric phenomena by analyzing variables such as temperature, air pressure, water vapor, and wind, and their complex interactions. This discipline is primarily concerned with the short-term state of the atmosphere—from daily weather patterns to severe events like hurricanes and tornadoes—distinguishing it from climatology, which studies atmospheric conditions over much longer periods of time.

1. Introduction to Atmospheric Science
   1. Defining Meteorology
      1. Etymology and Definition
      2. Role in Earth Sciences
      3. Relationship to Physics and Chemistry
   2. Scope and Sub-disciplines
      1. Synoptic Meteorology
      2. Dynamic Meteorology
      3. Physical Meteorology
      4. Applied Meteorology
      5. Agricultural Meteorology
      6. Aviation Meteorology
      7. Hydrometeorology
      8. Boundary Layer Meteorology
      9. Mesoscale Meteorology
   3. Distinction from Climatology
      1. Time Scales of Study
      2. Focus on Weather vs Climate
      3. Methodological Differences
   4. Historical Development
      1. Ancient Weather Observations
      2. Early Instrument Development
      3. Establishment of Weather Networks
      4. Development of Weather Forecasting
      5. Emergence of Numerical Weather Prediction
      6. Satellite Era
      7. Modern Computer Modeling