Meteorology - The Study of the Earth's Atmosphere and Weather
Overview
Today, the ESSE Meteorology concentration within the AOSS Department allows students to obtain a broad-based education that provides the theoretical and computational skills necessary to properly analyze and understand meteorological phenomenon ranging from synoptic scale weather systems to micrometeorological energy exchanges at the Earth’s surface.

Our courses include such topics as weather systems, weather forecasting and analysis, boundary layer meteorology, radiative transfer, cloud and precipitation processes and the physics of our climate system. Additionally, located within the College of Engineering, our department is uniquely positioned to provide students with the opportunity to explore the development and application of both surface-based and remote-sensing instrumentation for the study of various meteorological phenomena, as well.
Hands-On Experience
Balloon glow at the Jackson Hot Air Balloon JubileeStudents within the ESSE Meteorology program also participate in a wide-range of extracurricular activities which help them to strengthen their understanding of many of the concepts covered within their classroom-based studies. These activities include working with faculty on state-of-the-art research projects, as well as activities such as:
- Real-time forecasting for Jackson Hot Air Balloon Jubilee and the American Solar Challenge/World Solar Challenge solar car races
- Greenland field camp experience
- Storm chasing as part of the VORTEX2 tornadogenesis field project
AOSS Professor Perry SamsonMeteorology Concentration Advisor
Professor John P Boyd
jpboyd@umich.edu
(734)764-3338
