I want that job!

Fascinated by rain, snow, and storms? Consider becoming an atmospheric scientist.

WHAT'S AN ATMOSPHERIC SCIENTIST?

An atmospheric scientist studies the atmosphere, or the protective layer of gases surrounding Earth. That includes studying everything from the weather that takes place within it to how the atmosphere affects the planet. This interdisciplinary field involves many different types of science including physics, chemistry, math, and biology.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

WHAT DO ATMOSPHERIC SCIENTISTS DO?

Some atmospheric scientists perform field work. They might collect data on clouds, rainfall, snowfall, or major storm systems. Other atmospheric scientists research issues like global warming or even how to alter the weather (see "Cloud Man," below). Forecasters may analyze data to make predictions about the weather.

HOW DO ATMOSPHERIC SCIENTISTS HELP PEOPLE?

Predictions made by atmospheric scientists help people plan for the weather. Airlines might decide to cancel or alter flights because of an approaching storm. Farmers will know when to plant and harvest their crops.

HOW DD YOU TRAIN TD BECOME AN ATMOSPHERIC SCIENTIST?

You'll need a good background in the physical sciences, like physics and chemistry. Forecasters need a college degree. To perform more advanced research, an atmospheric scientist needs to earn a graduate degree.

HOW MUCH MONEY DO ATMOSPHERIC SCIENTISTS MAKE?

A beginning job earns roughly $30,000. A researcher with a graduate degree might start at $50,000.

web extra

To learn more about many different careers in atmospheric science, visit: http://www.ametsoc.org/atmoscareers

CLOUD MAN

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

When Dan Breed was in 7th grade, he did a science project on clouds. He's been hooked on the subject ever since.

Today, Breed is a project scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado. One of his jobs is to fly through clouds in an airplane equipped with sensors that collect data on the particles in the clouds. He takes this information and applies it to better understand a field of atmospheric science called cloud seeding (see Name That Element, p. 10).

His favorite weather? "For [scientists at NCAR], 'good weather' means there's a storm somewhere!" says Breed.

COPYRIGHT 2007 Scholastic, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning