Atmospheric Science

Atmospheric science is the study of the atmosphere and the processes that take place within it. It has traditionally been divided into three related but separate disciplines: climatology, meteorology, and aeronomy. Climatology focuses on the statistical analysis of changes within layers of the atmosphere for extended periods, ranging up to centuries long or more. Meteorology relates to the short-term changes in the conditions of the lower layers of the atmosphere. [Page 83]Aeronomy, in contrast, focuses on the changes and dynamic processes taking place within the upper layers of the atmosphere above the troposphere.

Topics within atmospheric science include the chemistry of the atmosphere, the radiative processes that determine the distribution of heat within the atmosphere, and the formation and behavior of clouds. Since a number of ...