Meteorology’s placement in science

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Meteorology is a prime example of an interdisciplinary field of study within the framework of environmental sciences. The most important constituent of Meteorology becomes obvious from the second designation of the course program: Atmospheric Physics. Physical quantities (e.g. pressure, temperature, humidity, wind) and equations describe and quantify atmospheric processes.

But also trace gases such as ozone or carbon dioxide, play a significant role and establish a firm connection to Chemistry and Biology. In first place, Atmospheric Chemistry has developed into a self-contained branch of natural sciences throughout the last few decades, strongly encouraged by Paul Crutzen, Nobel laureate 1995 who was honoured for his research at the Max-Planck Institute for Chemistry, exploring the mechanisms and processes behind ozone depletion.

Close scientific connections also connect Meterology to Earth's Sciences and Oceanography, which in Mainz is reflected primarily in the choice of subsidiary subjects. Furthermore, there are scientific overlaps with institutes of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Current public discussions about climate change and environmental desasters as well as the necessity of weather observation and prediction on a daily basis clarify the bandwidth of Meteorology and the importance of cooperation, ensuring, combined with public interest, an interesting and long-ranging further development of our science.