Meteorology
What is Meteorology?
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Meteorology is an atmospheric science branch that covers atmospheric physics and chemistry of the atmosphere but majorly focuses on weather forecasting.
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Meteorology is a physical science — a field of natural science that attempts to explain and forecast the actions of nature-based on evidence, or experience.
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A person who is currently studying or practising meteorology is known as a meteorologist.
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The meteorological research dates back millennia, but major meteorological development did not happen until the 18th century.
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The 19th century saw minor advances in the area after the development of weather observation networks spanning large regions.
How is Meteorology different from Climatology?
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Meteorology and climatology is a study of climate patterns and their human and environmental impacts.
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A significant difference is in terms of time horizons. Meteorology is more focused on short-term atmospheric conditions while climatology is more about in the long-term climate.
Who is eligible to study Meteorology?
You need to have studied Physics and Maths in class 12 to be eligible for the B.Tech. program. Having fluency in Computer Science helps too.
Where can one study Meteorology?
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The courses in meteorology are given based on the specializations. Applicants can choose to start the meteorology graduation either between B.Tech or B.Sc.
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Candidates may go for the postgraduate and PhD after bachelors.
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Aspirants must remember that the entrance exam will be carried out depending on the university/institute for entry. Some of the most common meteorology courses are described below.
Best Colleges/Institutes offering B. Tech in Meteorology
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Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi
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Cochin University of Science and Technology
Top Institutes in India that Offer Meteorology Courses are
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Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
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Shivaji University, Vidyanagar, Maharashtra.
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Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi.
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Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, West Bengal.
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Bharathiar University, Tamil Nadu
What are the job prospects after acquiring a degree in Meteorology?
An individual with the appropriate skills and qualifications can get jobs in the departments below. They need to clear a theory test or recruitment process for positions in these fields or areas or divisions.
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Meteorology departments
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Agricultural planning divisions
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Air Force
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Firms designing and manufacturing meteorological instruments
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Aircraft and missiles manufacturers
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Meteorological research centres
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Industries which must control pollutants
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Navy Weather consulting organizations
What is the expected salary at the start?
Meteorologists earn a satisfactory salary in diverse sectors. With highly skilled and experienced Meteorologists and analysts, most companies pay more.
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The meteorologists ' starting salary largely depends on their qualifications, experience, and place of work.
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The average salary of an assistant Meteorologist is Rs. 8,56,000 per annum.
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In state-run departments, meteorologists are paid as per the state pay scale, whereas salaries are paid according to the Pay Commission in government employment and organizations such as IMD and ISRC.
Who are the top recruiters in this field?
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Indian Meteorology Department (IMD)
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Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) Space Application Centre
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National Remote Sensing Agency
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Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
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Department of Agriculture Organization
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Indian Air Force
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Department of Science and Technology
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Universities and Colleges
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Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
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Agricultural planning Division board
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Meteorological research centre space application centre
What are the growth prospects in Meteorology?
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With the growth of the economy, the industrial uses of weather and climate-based information have increased.
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Graduates specializing in Meteorology can find jobs in various sectors such as meteorological agencies, space organizations, environment and climate-related areas of research and development, planetary sciences, etc.
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They can work as Meteorologists, Professors (Earth and Atmospheric Science), Managing Editor (Earth Atmospheric and Planetary Science), and Research Scientists (ISRO).
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One can be a lecturer also in this field after qualifying NET exam.
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If preferred, one can opt for PhD as well, for further research in the field.
What kinds of books and study materials are available for the entrance examinations?
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Mock tests available online
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Study materials available from the popular training institutes
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NCERT syllabus of physics, chemistry, and mathematics
Students preparing for entrance exams and for jobs in Meteorology can refer to the below books for enhancing knowledge: -
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DRDO CEPTAM (MTS) exam Guide
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Upkar’s Publication: Gateway to ISRO
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MTG Combo pack for NEET
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NTA UGC NET/SET/JRF
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Joint CSIR NET by Surendra Kumar
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Aviation Metrology: Group Captain IC Joshi
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SSC Scientific Assistant: by Edurise
Some interesting facts on Meteorology
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There was no weather forecast before the middle of the 19th century. Newspapers published only reports of "weather of yesterday" – it was believed that it was not possible to predict the weather.
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The first daily weather forecasts were published in The Times in 1861.
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Data of Meteorology are collected from 10,000 stationary weather stations on the planet. All these stations are links in a single chain.