Introduction to
Meteorology
Dr. Sharmin Yousuf Rikta
Associate Professor
Department of Environmental Sciences
Jahangirnagar University
Meteorology
• Meteorology refers to the scientific study and analysis of weather
conditions and atmospheric phenomenon on the earth, processes that
cause these weather conditions, and their future predictions.
• Not just limiting to prediction, meteorologists note the physical conditions
of the atmosphere above them, and they study the raw data from maps,
satellite, and radar.
• Forecasts are highly needed for applications that are tailored to specific
industries. Gas and electric utilities, for example, may need to have
forecasts of temperature within one or two degrees a day ahead of time, or
government may need to have data of rainfall for the areas having lower
ground level to predict water overflow.
Scope of Meteorology
• Atmospheric Science: understanding atmospheric processes like dynamics,
physics, and thermodynamics
• Weather Forecasting: focusing on predicting short-term atmospheric
conditions and phenomena
• Renewable Energy: role in optimizing the use of solar and wind energy
• Numerical Weather Prediction: involves using mathematical models and
powerful computers to simulate atmospheric conditions and forecast
weather.
Scope of Meteorology
• Data Assimilation: integrates various observational data to improve the
accuracy of weather models
• Atmospheric Observations: gathering data from various sources
(satellites, weather stations, etc.) to understand atmospheric conditions
• Meteorological Technology: includes the development and application
of technologies like radar, satellites, and advanced computing for
weather monitoring and forecasting
Sub-Classification of
Meteorology
• Agricultural Meteorology: Focuses on the impact of weather and climate on
agriculture
• Hydrometeorology: Studies the interaction between the atmosphere and bodies of
water
• Space Weather: Investigates the effects of solar activity on Earth's atmosphere
• Planetary Meteorology: Studies weather patterns on other planets
• Aviation meteorology: Aviation meteorology deals with the impact of weather
on air traffic management
Sub-Classification of
Meteorology
• Nuclear meteorology: Nuclear meteorology investigates the distribution
of radioactive aerosols and gases in the atmosphere
• Maritime meteorology: Maritime meteorology deals with air and wave forecasts
for ships operating at sea
• Environmental meteorology: Environmental meteorology mainly analyzes
industrial pollution dispersion physically and chemically based on meteorological
parameters such as temperature, humidity, wind, and various weather conditions.
Meteorological Equipment &
Weather Forecasting
• Meteorology instruments are essential tools for meteorologists to
collect and analyze data about the atmosphere, enabling
accurate weather forecasting.
1. Thermometer
• Measures air temperature using either a mercury or alcohol in glass, or digital
sensor technology.
• Offers readings in various scales, such as Celsius and Fahrenheit.
• May include max/min function to record the highest and lowest temperatures
over a period.
Meteorological Equipment & Weather
Forecasting
2. Barometer
• Detects atmospheric pressure, often used to predict weather changes.
• Includes built-in mechanisms for calibration to ensure accurate readings.
3. Anemometer
• Measures wind speed, often in units such as miles per hour (mph) or meters
per second (m/s).
• Typically features cups or propellers to catch the wind, although ultrasonic
versions exist.
• May include a wind vane to measure wind direction in relation to true north.
Meteorological Equipment &
Weather Forecasting
4. Rain Gauge
• Collects and measures the amount of liquid precipitation over a set period of time.
• Simple designs include a graduated cylinder for manual reading, while advanced
ones feature automatic tipping-bucket systems for digital recordings.
• Often designed to minimize evaporation and prevent debris from skewing readings.
5. Hygrometer
• Quantifies the moisture content of the air, providing relative humidity readings.
• Various types include hair hygrometers, which use a strand of hair, and electronic
sensors with digital displays.
• Usually able to calibrate to maintain accuracy of humidity readings.
Meteorological Equipment &
Weather Forecasting
6. Weather Vane (Wind Vane)
• Determines wind direction and is usually compass-based, displaying north,
east, south, and west.
• Often mounted at high places for more accurate detection of undisturbed
wind.
• Typically ornamental in design but built with durable materials to withstand
weather conditions.
7. Ceiling Balloon
• Used to measure the height of the cloud base above ground level.
Application of Remote Sensing &
Satellite Observation
1. Environmental Monitoring
• Water Quality
• Air Quality
• crop conditions
• Ice and Snow Cover
• Deforestation and Forest Fires
Application of Remote Sensing &
Satellite Observation
2. Disaster Management
• Flood Monitoring
• Drought Monitoring
• Wildfire Monitoring
• Earthquake Impact Assessment
Application of Remote Sensing &
Satellite Observation
3. Resource Management
4. Urban Planning and Development
5. Oceanographic modeling and monitoring
6. Military and Defense
7. Archaeology sites and landscape mapping and monitoring
8. Climate Change Research