Meteorology is the scientific study of weather. Forensic meteorology is the application of that study to the reconstruct weather events that occurred at a specific time and place. Forensic meteorologists pull together historic weather data, eyewitness accounts, atmospheric data and sometimes even reenactment simulations to take a meteorological snapshot of the weather conditions on a given occasion.
It may surprise fans of popular detective series' that their favorite television crime-stoppers are using the same methods that are employed in real life. It's not all glamorous murder cases. Sometimes these forensic weather professionals help insurance companies identify cases of fraud.
This branch of meteorology makes a fulfilling career opportunity for people who are fascinated by the science of weather but who do not necessarily see themselves in front of a television camera telling the public whether or not they will need an umbrella on a particular day. Consultants may find themselves offering expert testimony in court one day and putting together maps of lightning strikes the next.
Still not convinced weather is interesting? Consider this case of a lawsuit pressed by a farmer against a Presbyterian minister. The preacher had led a group of people in prayer to make it rain in a community that had been suffering from a drought. Hours later, a cloudburst dumped two inches of rain and wiped out a bridge in the process. Unfortunately, lightning struck the farmer's barn and burned it to the ground. The farmer unsuccessfully claimed $50,000 damages, but the case was thrown out because the people had prayed only for rain, not lightning. That was a gift from God.
Meteorologists provide reports summarizing Official Surface Weather Observations, usually recorded hourly at an airport. These reports may contain data about depths of ice and snow, precipitation, current weather conditions, temperature, the height and percentage of cloud cover, air pressure, visibility, wind direction and speed. Also collated for these reports are unofficial reports from private weather stations.
Court appearances are very sticky situations for meteorological experts. They need to be prepared to ask detailed questions about whether the guy contracted to plow the snow was performing up to scratch or, if it was snowing, had the snow been frozen and then remelted. They may be asked whether the prevailing storm or hot, dry conditions were typical for the location and time of year, or weather they were a once in a lifetime anomaly. All this in an environment where he has to rigidly maintain his objectivity in the face of both sides trying to swing his testimony one way or another.
Interested members of the public can make a meaningful contribution to real-life meteorological data by joining and participating in the Cooperative Observer program, a nationwide network of volunteer citizens and institutions that observe and report climate and weather conditions on a 24-hour basis. The measurements that these groups contribute add depth and character to the official reports.
Meteorologists are not the only scientists who are qualified to achieve public notoriety. The fields of forensic engineering, astronomy, geology and other disciplines are all used in the quest for truth, justice and 15 minutes of fame.
It may surprise fans of popular detective series' that their favorite television crime-stoppers are using the same methods that are employed in real life. It's not all glamorous murder cases. Sometimes these forensic weather professionals help insurance companies identify cases of fraud.
This branch of meteorology makes a fulfilling career opportunity for people who are fascinated by the science of weather but who do not necessarily see themselves in front of a television camera telling the public whether or not they will need an umbrella on a particular day. Consultants may find themselves offering expert testimony in court one day and putting together maps of lightning strikes the next.
Still not convinced weather is interesting? Consider this case of a lawsuit pressed by a farmer against a Presbyterian minister. The preacher had led a group of people in prayer to make it rain in a community that had been suffering from a drought. Hours later, a cloudburst dumped two inches of rain and wiped out a bridge in the process. Unfortunately, lightning struck the farmer's barn and burned it to the ground. The farmer unsuccessfully claimed $50,000 damages, but the case was thrown out because the people had prayed only for rain, not lightning. That was a gift from God.
Meteorologists provide reports summarizing Official Surface Weather Observations, usually recorded hourly at an airport. These reports may contain data about depths of ice and snow, precipitation, current weather conditions, temperature, the height and percentage of cloud cover, air pressure, visibility, wind direction and speed. Also collated for these reports are unofficial reports from private weather stations.
Court appearances are very sticky situations for meteorological experts. They need to be prepared to ask detailed questions about whether the guy contracted to plow the snow was performing up to scratch or, if it was snowing, had the snow been frozen and then remelted. They may be asked whether the prevailing storm or hot, dry conditions were typical for the location and time of year, or weather they were a once in a lifetime anomaly. All this in an environment where he has to rigidly maintain his objectivity in the face of both sides trying to swing his testimony one way or another.
Interested members of the public can make a meaningful contribution to real-life meteorological data by joining and participating in the Cooperative Observer program, a nationwide network of volunteer citizens and institutions that observe and report climate and weather conditions on a 24-hour basis. The measurements that these groups contribute add depth and character to the official reports.
Meteorologists are not the only scientists who are qualified to achieve public notoriety. The fields of forensic engineering, astronomy, geology and other disciplines are all used in the quest for truth, justice and 15 minutes of fame.
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