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Earths atmosphere covers Earths entire surface and reaches a height of hundreds of
kilometers. The weather is created in its bottom layer. Today, jets fly above the weather,
and satellites go much higher. Therefore, scientists are very interested in all of the layers
of the atmosphere.
The meteorologists that we know best are weather forecasters. Behind these forecasters
are those that study the effects of solar energy in changing the weather. Others, do
research on hurricanes, thunderstorms and tornadoes. Still others are concerned with air
pollution, global warming, and changes in climate, which means long-term weather.
Weather describes the state of the atmosphere at a given moment.
Topic ID: Oceanography and the Activities of Oceanographers
Oceanography is the study of the Earths oceans, which cover nearly three-fourths of the
Earths surface. Oceanographers, scientists who study the Oceans, study the physical and
chemical properties of the oceans, as well as study the effects of human activity on
Earths saltwater bodies. An oceanographer might study the behavior of an oil spill, for
example. Oceanographers work from special research ships to measure the depth of the
Ocean and map the ocean floor. They drill into the ocean floor to study its rocks and its
history. They might attempt to locate deposits of valuable resources, such as oil. They
also track ocean currents and chart the movements of icebergs. The do research to
discover the effects of the ocean on weather and climate (El Nino). From studying
tsunamis and undersea earthquakes, oceanographers are able to develop early warning
systems for threatened coastal regions.
Topic IE: Hydrology and the Activities of Hydrologists
Hydrology, as it relates to this course, is the study of the Earths freshwater systems, both
on and below the surface, and the movement of this water through the water cycle
(Because Hydrology studies the movement of water through the entire water cycle,
including saltwater, Hydrology, in reality, also includes the study of the ocean component
of the Earths water. But, again, for this course, we will, for the most part, identify
Hydrology as the study of the Earths freshwater systems). Hydrologists, scientists that
study these freshwater systems, might study how to keep our streams, lakes, reservoirs,
and subsurface water supplies from being polluted, and how to clean up the water that has
already been contaminated. They might search for water supplies for cities or irrigated
farms, or work to control river flooding or soil erosion. Others might study the movement
of groundwater (water underground) to determine how best to protect the water supplies
of those who rely on groundwater (water wells).