ESS5
Prof. Jin-Yi Yu
History of Atmospheric Sciences
q 1643: barometer was invented to measure air pressure.
q1700s: hygrometer was invented to measure
humidity.
q 1843: telegraph was used to transmit routine weather
observations.
q 1869: crude weather maps were drawn.
q 1920: concepts of air masses and weather fronts were formulated in Norway.
q 1940s (after WWII): three-dimensional view of the
atmosphere were developed; more complete concepts of general circulation were developed.q1950s: computer was invented and used for
weather forecasting in Princeton.
q1960s: the first weather satellite was
lunched.
qIn recent decades: more sophisticated satellites and
high-performance computers were developed and used in atmospheric sciences.