Physical meteorology
The study of the chemical composition of the atmosphere, the laws of radiation, the physics of clouds and precipitation and the thermodynamic phenomena of the troposphere.
Dynamic meteorology
The study of the development of and evolution of atmospheric motions and circulation systems as solutions of the fundamental equations of hydrodynamics or other systems of equations appropriate to special situations.
Synoptic meteorology
The study and analysis of weather systems based upon analyses of a set and/or series of charts that contain a synopsis of weather observations at a given time. The understanding of these weather systems is based upon application of the principles of physical and dynamic meteorology.
Physical oceanography
The study of the physical properties of the ocean, including but not limited to temperature, salinity and ocean currents and of the physical process that determine those processes.