Meteorology combines the skills of observation, understanding and prediction of weather. It is not only the scientific pursuit of the most sought-after phenomena of the nature but tit also helps in the development of the economy.
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As predictions given by meteorology help in the agriculture and other related aspects of the economy, young persons who love to understand vagaries of weather have the right career option in it. Correct predictions about likely heavy rainfall leading to floods and scanty rain resulting in droughts can also be utilized by planners to take advance corrective measures to alleviate the sufferings affirming community and the people in general while forewarnings about cyclones can help authorities to take timely Disaster Avoidance action.
Weather is important for everybody. Before you venture out of your house, knowledge of the day’s weather comes in handy, so that you are prepared for any eventuality that nature can throw upon you. One a much massive scale weather is very important for agriculture, civil aviation, fishing, etc. Generally weather forecasting is available through radio, television and papers. But, have you ever wondered how come these people are able to forecast about something as fickle as weather and why these predication do not hit the bull’s eye? Welcome to the world of Meteorology.
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Meteorology is the study of different processes and phenomena of atmosphere along with forecasting of weather. There are three aspects of meteorology observation, understanding and prediction of weather. Earlier, observations were made with simple instruments like thermometer for measuring temperature or anemometer for measuring wind speed. Today, even though these basic gadgets are still used, satellites have made it possible to monitor the weather globally. Data are collected with the help of advance computers and super-computers on the basis of which weather forecasts are made/
Branches of Meteorology
Climatology : It deals with the study of climate of a place or region on the basis of weather-related date gathered over a period of time
Synoptic Meteorology : This branch studies the movement of low pressure areas, air masses, fronts and other weather systems, depressions and tropical cyclones. Data are collected on a weather map, which helps the experts to get a synoptic view of world weather. As a result, day-today analysis and forecasting has come to be known as synoptic meteorology.
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Dynamic Meteorology : This is the study of atmospheric processes through mathematical equations. Taken together they are known as numerical model.
Physical Meteorology: It entails the study of the physical processes of the atmosphere, such as solar radiation, its absorption and scattering in the earth-atmospheric system, the radiation back to space and the transformation of solar energy into the Kinetic Energy of air. The parts of physical meteorology are the study of rain processes and cloud physics.
Agriculture Meteorology : In this branch focus of study is the application of meteorological information for the enhancement of crop yields and reduction of crop losses because of adverse weather.
Applied Meteorology : Here, the meteorologists use weather information and adopt the findings of theoretical research to suit a specific application, like design of aircraft, control of air pollution, architectural design, urban planning, exploitation of solar and wind energy, air-conditioning, development of tourism, etc.
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How to become a Meteorologist?
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) recruits students at Grade II level through application submitted to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Minimum Qualification for the above are M.Sc. Physics/Maths or in Applied Physics or Maths or Computer Application/ B.Tech Engineering/Computer Science, M.Sc. Electronics/Physics with Electronics or B.Tech Electronics. Students of B.Sc are also recruited in the IMD through applications forwarded by the respective employment exchanges. All those can also apply to IMD who have done their Master’s degree in Meteorology or Atmospheric Sciences or Geo-Physics or Meteorology as one of the subjects People with Master’s degree in Physics or Maths with Astronomy or Astrophysics as one of the subjects along with Master’s degree in Science from a recognized University or equivalent are also eligible to apply Selected students undergo one0year advanced course in Meteorology at IMD campuses in Pune and New Delhi.
There are opportunities galore in other organizations like National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting, in the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune and Department of Space.
Remuneration
On average meteorologist get a decent pay package. A senior observer can earn anything between Rs. 14,000 and Rs. 20,000 per month, a professional assistant between Rs. 16,000 and Rs. 24,000 per month. Meteorologists belonging to Grade II get Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 26,000.
Further, there is scope for openings as professor, research and airtime jobs and in private meteorological firms, which are gradually being established. Industries which design, develop and manufacture meteorological instruments, aircrafts and missiles do also appoint people with meteorological background.
In the era of specialization, Meteorology comes up as an interesting career choice.
Where To Study
- IIT-Kharagpur offers courses in Physics and Meteorology.
- The Centre of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (CAOS), Indian Institute of Science, bangalore-560012, offers research-oriented programmes leading to M.Sc. (Engg) and Phd. degrees.
- Andhra University,
Visakhapatnam,
Andhra Pradesh – 530003
Course Offered : M.Sc in Oceanography or Meteorology. - Cochin University of Sciecne and Technology, Cochin University,
PO Cochin – 682002, Kerala.
Course Offered: M.Sc in Meteorology, M.Tech after M.Sc. - Bharathiyar University,
Maruthamalal Road,
Coimbatore – 641046, Tamil Nadu,
Course Offered Diploma - Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab,
Course Offered : Diploma In Meteorology for 1 year. - Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Fatehgunj, Vadodara, Gujarat.
Course Offered : M.Sc. in Meteorology. - Shivaji University, Vidyanagar, Kolhapur – 416004, Maharshtra,
Course Offered : B.Sc in Meteorology along with Oceanography. - The Indian Institute of technology (IIT), Delhi offers Ph.D level programmes in nine to 10 courses in atmospheric, environmental and ocean modeling. Interested students should have a first class in M.Sc or M.Tech.
- Students with an M.Sc degree are admitted through Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering or National Eligibility Test. M.Tech in any discipline or M.Tech degree holders in Atmospheric Science are admitted on the basis of the interviews conducted by IIT-Delhi.