aerology
/ˌɛriˈɒlədʒi/ · aer·ol·o·gy
noun
- The branch of meteorology involving the observation of the atmosphere by means of balloons, airplanes, etc. The aerology team launched a weather balloon to collect data on atmospheric conditions.
- The study of the air and of the atmosphere, used in the US Navy until early 1957, often in an administrative context. In the US Navy, aerology was used to describe the department responsible for weather forecasting and atmospheric studies.
Did you know? The term 'aerology' was widely used in the early 20th century, particularly in the context of military aviation and weather forecasting. The US Navy's use of 'aerology' as a distinct term was phased out in favor of 'meteorology' by the late 1950s.