Earth Sci.(meteorology)

1. History of Meteorology and Invention of Weather Instruments.

2. History of Meteorology The word ‘meteorology’ was coined from a research book called ‘Meteorologica‘ which was written by Aristotle, a Greek scientist and philosopher. This early work described the science of earth like its geology, elements, hydrology, seas, wind and weather. In the modern term, the term meteorology explains a complete science. It is for understanding the dynamics of atmosphere and forecasting weather phenomena like hurricanes and thunderstorms. Weather forecasting was practiced since the beginning of time with more or less accuracy. Historical records show several examples of weather predicting methods based on observing surrounding elements. Sky is undoubtedly the first indicator used in meteorology its cover and nature of clouds provides clues of the upcoming temperature and weather. The wind factor is also important and is associated with temperature and often rains. Animals and birds are also known to give indications about the future weather. Scientists across the world since ancient times have tried to understand the meteorologicalphenomena like wind and rain. Many instruments for measuring wind power, humidity and rain were invented in the early 15th century.

3. During the 17th century, several discoveries tipped in favor of scientific meteorology. A device to measure temperature was invented by Galileo Galilei and the factor that atmospheric pressure was linked to altitude was discovered by Blaise Pascal. The invention of barometer by Evangelista Torricelli is significantly the most important discovery. It is still in use today which indicates atmospheric pressure changes that are linked with the future weather changes.There are also other methods which have been evolved. Meteorology is a lot related with cycles and their analysis which was what Fernando II de Medici wanted to prove. He carried out a very determined program in 1654 for recording weather patterns in different European cities with a view to compile data and make their analysis.Other breakthroughs were followed in the 18th century and science was taken to a new level. A modern mercury based thermometer was invented by Gabriel Fahrenheit. Theories about hydrodynamics were devised by Daniel Bernoulli and those theories had helped greatly in understanding the atmospheric changes.When the theory of thermodynamics and atmospheric pressures were adapted, no real changes were important for understanding meteorology. In recent times, focus has been given on meteorological tools for its improvement and attaining better accuracy results. A tremendous boost was given to meteorology because of the technology in two ways. The first is the ability to communicate results and analysis with timing, it was made possible due to the invention of telegraph. The second is the ability of probing skies with using balloons, satellites and radars.Meteorology is a part of our everyday lives. People are kept updated about the changing weather with dedicated channels and mobile devices. The science is still progressing and is an important element of the economy with many industries like agriculture and civil aviation depending on it.

4. Invention of Weather Instruments No single scientist invented all the common weather instruments; thermometer, hygrometer, barometer, anemometer and rain gauge. The familiar weather reading tools were conceived by a mix of characters. These tools were developed by different scientist at different stages and periods in history to lead to the final modern versions. The thermometer--Galileo Galilei in 1593, Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1714, Andrus Celsius in 1743 and Lord William Thomson Kelvin in 1848. The hygrometer--Leonardo da Vinci in the 1400s, Francesco Folli in 1664, Horace Bénédict de Saussure in 1783 and John Frederic Daniell in 1820. The barometer--Evangelista Torricelli in 1664 and Lucien Vidie in 1843. The anemometer--Leon Battista Alberti in 1450, Sir Francis Beaufort in 1805 and John Thomas Romney Robinson in 1846. The rain gauge--King Sejong and his son Prince Munjong in 1441 and Sir Christopher Wren in 1662.

5. Weather instruments were invented between the years 1640 and 1750. The barometer, hygrometer and thermometer were the original instruments used for analyzing weather patterns. By the late 1800s, anemometers for measuring air pressure, and electricity, harnessed for recording instrument readings, were in use. The 1900s saw the invention of weather balloons, kites and airplanes that carried weather equipment.

6. Four Different Weather Instruments Weather measuring instruments can run the gamut, from simple outdoor thermometers to the more complex wireless multifunction devices. But there are basically two types: analog and digital. Analog instruments--except for the familiar "bulb" thermometers--often look like clock dials. Digital instruments have displays resembling a nightstand alarm clock. The four most common--and most popular--are the thermometer (for reading the temperature), barometer (for atmospheric pressure), hygrometer (for humidity), and rain gauge (to record precipitation amounts).

7. Thermometer measures the speed or force of the wind. The speed that the cups rotate shows the wind strength. measures temperature in degrees centigrade (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit (°F) using a liquid such as mercury that expands when it warms up. It then moves up a thin tube marked with a temperature scale, and will fall back down the tube as the temperature falls and the liquid contracts. Thermometers are kept in a white Stevenson screen which allows air to circulate but shields the thermometer from direct sunlight. This ensures the measurements are correct and accurate. Maximum and minimum thermometers record the highest and lowest temperatures reached daily.

8. Barometers There are two basic types of barometers. In the first type, air pressure changes cause liquid mercury to rise or fall. In the second, known as a spring or "aneroid" barometer, air pressure causes a spring, attached to a bellows, to unwind or wind. Aneroid barometers are the most common since mercury barometers can be as large as three feet tall. measures air pressure. Pressure falls when it is about to rain and rises when the weather is dry. You can see this as the needle moves.

9. Hydrometer measures the amount of moisture in the air. It usually incorporates a needle that is made to move by a paper strip which shrinks or stretches depending on the dampness of the air (i.e.: the humidity).

10. Rainfall Gauges shows how much precipitation (rain, snow or hail) that falls each day. Although there are three different types of rain gauges, the one best suited for at-home use is cylindrical with a funnel at the top. The other two--a tipping bucket rain gauge and a weighing gauge--are of more value to farmers and others whose livelihood depends on rain or lack of it. The latter two have two features lacking in the cylindrical type

11. Sundial is used to tell what time of day it is using the shadows cast by the sun.

12. Wind Sock shows the speed and direction of the wind. They are most often used at airports, seaports and on other open areas such as mountain roads.

13. Weather Vane measures wind direction. It is always recorded as the direction from which the winds are blowing, ie: a south-westerly wind is blowing from the south-west.

14. It is not just meteorologists who predict the weather - people have been doing it for hundreds of years. If we move on to the weather lore page, we will see some of the more traditional versions of weather forecasting. You will then be able to decide whether you think these methods are reliable, or whether they are just old wives’ tales.

15. Thank You!