Climatology
Introduction
Climatology is the scientific study of climate, defined as weather conditions averaged over a period of time. This modern field of study is regarded as a branch of the atmospheric sciences and a subfield of physical geography, which is one of the earth sciences. Climatology now includes aspects of oceanography and biogeochemistry.
History of Climatology
The history of climatology has been a complex science that has evolved over the years. Early climate researchers include the likes of Aristotle, Hippocrates, and Theophrastus. In the late 19th century, climatology began to take form as a distinct subject with the works of Vladimir Köppen, who classified climates based on the distributions of temperature and precipitation.
Climate Systems
Climate systems are complex and are generally broken down into five components: the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the cryosphere, the lithosphere, and the biosphere. The atmosphere is the gaseous envelope surrounding the Earth. The hydrosphere includes all liquid surface and subterranean water, plus all the ice in the cryosphere. The lithosphere is the solid part of the Earth, including the crust and the uppermost mantle. The biosphere comprises all living organisms, including plants and animals.
Climatic Zones
Climatic zones are areas with distinct climates, which occur in wide bands circling the Earth. The major zones are the tropical, dry, temperate, cold, and polar climates. These zones can be further divided into subzones depending on rainfall and seasonal variations.
Climate Models
Climate models are mathematical models used to understand and predict the interactions of the important drivers of climate, including the oceans, the atmosphere, and the land surface. Some of the most advanced models, known as General Circulation Models (GCMs), simulate the planet's circulation with great accuracy.
Climate Change
Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. Climate change can refer to either the warming or the cooling of the planet. Over the course of the Earth's history, there have been periods of both. The study of these changes is carried out using a combination of field observation, physical modeling, and data analysis.