Mesoscale meteorology studies weather systems that are larger than single storms but smaller than those spanning over 620 miles. It includes high- and low-elevation weather systems and examines their effects on various aspects of life. Researchers use fieldwork and lab work to build models and organize data to make more accurate forecasts. Specialists in this field work for various organizations interested in climate.
Mesoscale is a term used in meteorology to describe weather systems that fall on a scale between the storm scale and the synoptic scale, meaning that they are generally larger than single major storms and smaller than weather systems that span more 620 miles (about 1,000 kilometers) in diameter. A number of interesting meteorological phenomena occur at the mesoscale level, making mesoscale meteorology a very interesting and diverse branch of the study of weather and related events.
Some examples of weather systems that occur at the mesoscale level include: squall lines, sea breezes, and lake-effect snowstorms. Mesoscale meteorology encompasses both high- and low-elevation weather systems and examines their effect on climates, water flows, human populations, and agriculture, among other things. Because large storm fronts can fall on this scale, it can also include the study of how storm systems grow, how they move, and how things work within a weather system. For example, thunderstorm convection is studied by meteorologists focusing on systems of this size.
Researchers in this branch of meteorology can spend time in the field, studying the weather in person, and they also take advantage of probes such as weather balloons, satellites, and other observation techniques. Some people are particularly interested in applying mesoscale meteorology to issues such as ecosystem health, climate change, fisheries, and so on, and may spend time among human populations learning about the direct impacts of the weather they study. Fieldwork may also include trips to learn about the weather in different regions of the world and to see how factors such as terrain interact with mesoscale weather events.
Researchers can also work in the lab, building models and organizing data. Data collection also includes statistical manipulation and input of information into modeling systems so that those systems become smarter and more effective, enabling meteorologists to make more accurate forecasts and to explore historical weather events in light of this that scientists now know about modern mesoscale weather events.
People who are interested in working in the field of mesoscale meteorology usually study meteorology in a college or university and focus specifically on events that fall along the mesoscale once they start doing graduate level research and studies. Specialists in this field may work for government agencies, news companies, colleges, and a variety of other organizations interested in climate, from shipping companies to museums interested in historical climates.
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