Meteorology: The Study of Weather

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MeteorologyThe Study of Weather

• Holly Anderson

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What is a meteorologist?

• A meteorologist is a scientist who studies the
  weather. Meteorologists report and forecast
  (predict) weather conditions.
• Weather is the state of the atmosphere (the air
  surrounding the earth).

We look at 1. Temperature 2. Humidity (how much
moisture is in the air) 3. Precipitation
(rain/snow) 4. Water vapor (clouds) We use
observations and computers to predict future
weather. For example, we ask, Will it rain in
three days?
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Meteorology Jobs

• Meteorologists can
• Work for the government to forecast weather, such
  as at the National Weather Service (NWS).
• Work for the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
• Work for a TV station, like Bay News 9.
• Work for an emergency management organization,
  such as the Federal Emergency Management
  Association (FEMA).
• Work for NASA, helping predict the weather during
  space shuttle and satellite launches at Cape
  Canaveral.
• Work for a city government to help decide where
  to build roads and buildings.
• Work for the Department of Environmental
  Protection (DEP) to study ways to protect the
  environment.
• Teach meteorology classes at a college.
• Conduct research to learn more about weather
  patterns.

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What is a hurricane?
A hurricane is a BIG storm that forms over the
oceans near the tropics (near the equator). It is
a type of tropical storm.
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• Mature hurricanes can easily be spotted by the
  presence of an eye.
• Its source of food is the warm, moist ocean. A
  hurricane will die quickly if it moves over land
  or cooler water temperatures because it no longer
  has a source of energy.
• It has really fast winds (at least 75 miles per
  hour and as high as 155 miles per hour) and
  brings a lot of rain.

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Hurricane Hunters

• Meteorologists use special airplanes to fly into
  the eye of the hurricane to take measurements so
  they can determine the characteristics of the
  hurricane.

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Hurricane Katrinas Path
Hurricane Katrina
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Hurricane Damage

• Some damage occurs due to the high winds and
  flooding due to heavy rain.
• Most damage, however, occurs due to storm surge.
  The hurricane may bring in high waves that can
  destroy anything near the coast.

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• Most of the damage from Hurricane Katrina didnt
  occur from the fast winds or rain. Most of the
  damage occurred because levees broke.

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• Some damage from a hurricane occurs from the
  really fast winds, but most damage occurs due to
  the surge of water that occurs when the hurricane
  hits the shore.

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Before the Storm

• The Atlantic Ocean hurricane season runs from
  June 1 until November 30. Most storms that affect
  our area occur in September and October.
• Before a hurricane comes, prepare a disaster
  supply kit for your home
• This includes water, canned foods, a can opener,
  pet food, important papers, a battery-powered
  radio, and other items you and your family need
  (like medications) in case the electricity goes
  out during the storm or you need to leave your
  home.

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During the Storm

• As you saw in the pictures, hurricanes can be
  VERY dangerous. It is important to be prepared
  and to listen to authorities if you are told to
  evacuate. Not everyone needs to evacuate, but if
  you are told to evacuate, follow directions!
• Listen to a news channel or the radio to keep
  current on hurricane news.

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So what about tsunamis?

• A tsunami (or tidal wave) is an unusually BIG
  wave of water, caused by an earthquake or volcano
  that occurs under the water.
• This water can flood coastal areas, cause a lot
  of damage, and death.
• Whereas meteorologists can predict the occurrence
  of hurricanes, they do not predict earthquakes,
  volcanoes, and tsunamis. Geologists are
  scientists who study earthquakes and volcanoes.
  However, even geologists cannot predict
  earthquakes and volcanic eruptions as easily as
  meteorologists can predict hurricanes.

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Do you think youd like to be a meteorologist?

• Study science and math.
• Learn how computers work and understand how to
  use them.
• Attend a college that teaches meteorology.
• I went to Florida State University in
  Tallahassee, Florida.
• Ask questions!
• Scientists like to ask questions and then search
  for the answers.