The Ocean, Our Climate and Weather
Every year the World Meteorological Day is celebrated on March 23 to commemorate an intergovernmental body’s establishment, the World Meteorological Organization, on March 23, 1950. It became UNs specialised agency for meteorology, operational hydrology, and related geophysical sciences. World Meteorological Organisation is much older. It was founded as the International Meteorological Organization in 1873, changed its name in 1951 and became one of the UN organisations.
Meteorology is a branch of the atmospheric sciences that includes atmospheric chemistry and physics, focusing on weather forecasting. The study of meteorology dates back millennia. Prior attempts at the prediction of weather depended on historical data. It was the elucidation of the laws of physics and the development of the computer that allowed advancements in weather modelling. The latter half of the 20th century saw significant breakthroughs in weather forecasting. The explanation of weather events by the science of meteorology is called Meteorological phenomena. These are quantified by the variables like temperature, air pressure, water vapour, mass flow, and the variations and their interactions. Different scales are used to describe and predict weather on local, regional, and global levels. Meteorology finds applications in diverse fields, agriculture, energy, construction, transport, and defence. An essential part of weather forecasting is marine weather forecasting related to maritime and coastal safety. It includes atmospheric interactions with large bodies of water.
The word meteorology is from the Ancient Greek (meteor) and (-(o)logy), meaning “the study of things high in the air.” The ability to predict rains and floods based on annual cycles was used by humans in earlier times and relating to agriculture. Upanishads contain mentions of clouds and seasons. Evidence of weather observation was mentioned in Varāhamihira‘s Brihatsamhita, written way back in ~500 AD. In 350 BC, Aristotle wrote Meteorology. Description of the hydrologic cycle is one of the significant achievements described in Meteorology.
The advances made in weather prediction and forecasting ability has saved many lives. Cyclones of different magnitude batter the coasts of the words several times in a year. While the destruction of resources and damage depends on cyclones’ intensity, advancements in weather predictions have helped save valuable lives. While it is a cyclone that affects the Indian Ocean region, it is hurricanes, typhoons for the Pacific or the Atlantic Ocean. The occurrence of Tsunamis is more common in these regions. The fury of nature is a reminder for humanity to become humble. How much ever advancements science and technology are made, there is much more to understand.
It is not only what is happening in the atmosphere that affects weather and climate, but also the ocean, which plays an important role. Connecting the ocean, climate, and weather is an important aspect. Appropriately the theme of the year is:
The Ocean, Our Climate and Weather
Toons: Anusha and Reema Jaiswal
Logs: Sai Baba
Note: The World Meteorological Day is commemorated on March 23, posting the ToonLogs on 29th, a deviation from the procedure we have been practising in posting the ToonLogs.
