A marine meteorologist is a scientist who studies the weather around oceans and other bodies of water. Many people working in this field are employed by television networks and other broadcasters, while others work for government agencies. A marine meteorologist must typically hold a bachelor’s degree, and some professionals in the field have also completed postgraduate degree programs.
Undergraduate meteorology courses are available at colleges and other higher education institutions. Weather patterns, atmospheric pressure, and the impact of atmospheric activity on the Earth are taught to students. Aside from general meteorology programs, some universities also offer courses tailored to prepare students for careers in marine meteorology. Additionally, some colleges offer postgraduate courses in areas such as chemical oceanography or marine physics that cover specific aspects of the field. People who work as broadcast weather presenters typically have a general meteorology degree, whereas those who conduct government-funded research typically have a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the field.
A marine meteorologist is frequently employed by television and radio stations based in coastal areas, and is responsible for preparing both short- and long-term weather forecasts. When making travel plans or planning outdoor events, local business owners and tourists rely on these forecasts. People also check the marine forecast before going on fishing trips or going to the beach to participate in ocean-based activities like sailing or windsurfing. When making decisions about whether or not to close schools due to inclement weather, school districts sometimes rely on local weather forecasts.
A government-employed marine meteorologist prepares weather forecasts in the same way that a television weather presenter does. Despite their similarities, government employees review atmospheric data for business and political reasons rather than to provide travelers with a forecast for the week. Hurricanes and cyclones, for example, can wreak havoc on coastal areas; government meteorologists are in charge of detecting and tracking these weather systems. The path of major storm systems is charted, and coastguards and other emergency responders frequently evacuate coastal areas as a result of these forecasts.
Marine meteorologists are also employed by the military, and these individuals provide critical information to members of the armed forces during times of war. Because bad weather can cause a fleet’s movement to be delayed, commanders adjust their plans to avoid storms. In other cases, military commanders may use cloud cover to launch a coastal invasion during a storm system.