Physical Meteorology

What Is Meteorology?

Meteorology is a branch that deals with the atmosphere of Earth and variations in the moisture, temperature that can lead to changes in the conditions of the weather. Meteorology focuses on areas such as typhoons, tornadoes, thunderstorms and precipitation. 

The study of meteorology and events related to it are important in many ways. The various human activities lead to weather changes and problems in the environment. Meteorology is derived from the Greek word metron that refers to any phenomenon related to the sky. Astronomy was earlier included in meteorology but now due to the latest advancements, it has become a separate discipline. 

What Is Modern Meteorology?

The main area of focus in modern meteorology is typical conditions of weather patterns. Additionally, it includes thunderstorms, cyclones and hurricanes including many more. 

What Is Climatology?

Climatology is a different concept from meteorology. It deals with studies of the origin of atmospheric patterns that can be observed over time. The phenomena of monsoons and southern oscillation are some of the topics that can be included in both climatology and meteorology as they show large seasonal changes. 

What Are The Different Types Of Meteorology?

There are many types of meteorology that are classified on the basis of their functions and events related to it. Some of them are mentioned below. They are as follows:

• Boundary-Layer Meteorology 

Boundary-Layer Meteorology deals with the study of air that is above the surface of Earth. The main focus of the Boundary layer meteorology is the surface effect on the oceans, lakes and urban areas and other non-urban or rural areas. The branch deals with friction, heating and cooling effects and how they can cause turbulent mixing in the boundary layer of air. 

• Mesoscale meteorology

Mesoscale meteorology is the branch that deals with several layers of Earth including the boundary layer of the atmosphere, the troposphere and the tropopause. The branch studies and examines the various forms of weather like mountain waves, land breeze, thunderstorms, fronts, squall lines and precipitation. Additionally, it also deals with tropical cyclones. These events if the weather is followed throughout the duration. 

• Global-scale metrology 

It is that branch of meteorology dealing with patterns of weather that can transfer the heat from the north and south poles to the tropics. Additionally global scale meteorology focuses on the oscillations on a large scale. It deals with how oscillations cause disturbance in weather and climate in mesoscale and synoptic timescales. 

• Agricultural Meteorology 

Agricultural meteorology deals with the study of how weather can affect plant development, animal development, plant distribution, crop yield and efficiency of water use. This branch of metrology deals with the energy balance of natural ecosystems and managed ecosystems for differences and similarities. Additionally, it can also focus on how vegetation has the ability to affect the climate and weather.