A meteorologist is probably best known for weather forecasting, but the weather reports that come through media such as radio and televisions broadcasts or the newspaper and the Internet are only a fraction of what this professional actually does. Meteorology encompasses scientific research and education that extends to the environment, transportation, and many other methods for improving quality of life such as studying hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes etc.
Some meteorologists works in the field of atmospheric research, and they can, among other things, discern the impact of environmental crisis such as global warming. With highly sensitive equipment, they are able to study past, present, and future weather conditions and how they contribute to or reduce the effects of global warming. For example, an atmospheric research meteorologist might look at how atmospheric conditions change the polar ice caps which in turn release greenhouse gases creating a cyclic process of warming.
Others work in the field of transportation safety and architecture, especially that concerning air travel. Through research and engineering, meteorologists have developed equipment that is used in airports to detect microbursts or damaging winds that allow for safer air travel.
A meteorologist may also work as a consultant in architectural design for airports as well as many other construction operations. For example, constructing a commercial building will require the help of a weather expert in deciding what type of heating and cooling systems should be installed as well as the necessary structural integrity of the building designed to hold up against inclement weather.
Many meteorologists choose to share their knowledge with others and enjoy a career in teaching. They may teach atmospheric science from first year college courses all the way up to graduate programs. In junior and senior high school, meteorology is usually combined with natural science courses such as earth science.
Today, the science of meteorology is highly accurate thanks to the advances in technology. People who work in this field typically rely on the use of instrumental aircraft, satellites, radar, and computers to gather and analyze atmospheric data. Because of its accuracy and importance in environmental sciences, meteorology is a field growing very quickly, and many universities are offering intensive programs in it.