What Is an Atmospheric Physicist? — Reading Comprehension

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This NGSS-aligned middle school science passage introduces students to the role of an atmospheric physicist. It explains how these scientists study the physical forces in Earth's atmosphere—like air pressure, temperature, and radiation—and how their work helps predict weather, understand climate change, and improve safety. The passage shows how data from satellites, computers, and observations are used to build climate models and research pollution, global warming, and even atmospheres on other planets. It supports Earth Systems and Human Impact standards and builds awareness of real-world science careers.

CONTENT PREVIEW

An atmospheric physicist is a scientist who studies the physical processes that happen in Earth’s atmosphere. The atmosphere is the layer of gases that surrounds our planet, and it plays a big role in weather, climate, and protecting life on Earth. Atmospheric physicists use the laws of physics to understand how the atmosphere works.

These scientists focus on things like air pressure, temperature, radiation, cloud formation, and wind patterns. They want to know how energy from the Sun interacts with the air and Earth’s surface. Their research helps explain why storms form, how heat moves through the atmosphere, and how greenhouse gases cause global warming.

To do their work, atmospheric physicists use math, computers, and satellite data. They build models to predict weather and climate events. Some also study how pollution affects the atmosphere or how changes in the atmosphere impact things like aviation or agriculture.

Atmospheric physicists play an important role in solving real-world problems. For example, their work helps improve weather forecasting, design better climate models, and understand how human activity is changing the planet. Some work with space agencies like NASA, while others teach at universities or advise governments on environmental policies.

Because the atmosphere is always changing, atmospheric physicists must think carefully and use complex tools to make sense of it all. Their work helps protect people from extreme weather and helps us understand how Earth’s systems are connected.

Fun Fact: Atmospheric physicists can even study other planets—like Mars or Venus—to learn how their atmospheres compare to Earth’s!

What does an atmospheric physicist study?

Rocks and fossilsAirplanes and enginesPhysical processes in the atmosphereAnimal migration patterns

Which of the following is part of an atmospheric physicist’s work?

Studying ocean currentsExploring underground cavesMeasuring radiation and temperature in the airBuilding skyscrapers

What tool do atmospheric physicists often use?

PaintbrushHammerComputer modelsThermos

Why is their work important for weather forecasting?

They write weather news reportsThey collect animal behavior dataThey help predict weather using physics and dataThey test snowplows

Which area might an atmospheric physicist study besides Earth?

The ocean floorForest rootsMars or VenusDinosaur bones

What is one way human activity connects to their research?

Studying ancient toolsStudying traffic noiseStudying greenhouse gases and global warmingStudying television signals

What is the main idea of this passage?

Atmospheric physicists protect animals from stormsAtmospheric physicists make weather appsAtmospheric physicists study the atmosphere using science and technologyAtmospheric physicists build weather balloons

If an atmospheric physicist is studying air pollution, what might they use?

A telescopeA drone and sensorsA fishing rodA chalkboard