Editing Atmospheric science (section)

== Atmospheric physics ==
{{main|Atmospheric physics}}
Atmospheric physics is the application of physics to the study of the atmosphere. Atmospheric physicists attempt to model Earth's atmosphere and the atmospheres of the other planets using fluid flow equations, chemical models, radiation balancing, and energy transfer processes in the atmosphere and underlying oceans and land. In order to model weather systems, atmospheric physicists employ elements of scattering theory, [[wave propagation]] models, [[cloud physics]], [[statistical mechanics]] and spatial [[statistics]], each of which incorporate high levels of mathematics and physics. Atmospheric physics has close links to meteorology and climatology and also covers the design and construction of instruments for studying the atmosphere and the interpretation of the data they provide, including [[remote sensing]] instruments.

In the United Kingdom, atmospheric studies are underpinned by the Meteorological Office. Divisions of the U.S. [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] (NOAA) oversee research projects and weather modeling involving atmospheric physics. The [[U.S. National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center]] also carries out studies of the high atmosphere.

The [[Earth's magnetic field]] and the [[solar wind]] interact with the atmosphere, creating the [[ionosphere]], [[Van Allen radiation belt]]s, [[telluric current]]s, and [[radiant energy]].
[[File:CALIPSO - Artist Concept 2.jpg|left|385x385px]]
Recent studies in atmospheric physics often rely on satellite-based observation. One example includes [[CALIPSO]], or the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation. The CALIPSO mission, engineered by NASA and the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales/CNES, studies how clouds and airborne particles play a role in regulating the weather, climate, and quality of Earth's atmosphere. According to NASA, this mission uses methods like retrieval algorithm development, climatology development, spectroscopy, weather and climate model evaluation, and cloudy radiative transfer models in addition to atmospheric physics concepts to understand the physics involved in Earth atmospheric regulation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 27, 2025 |title=Atmospheric Physics and Weather |url=https://science.jpl.nasa.gov/division/earth-science/atmospheric-physics-and-weather/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 27, 2025 |website=Jet Propulsion Laboratory California Institute of Technology}}</ref>