BSc in Environmental Science - Atmosphere and Climate in Chico United States | California State University, Chico

The atmosphere significantly influences environmental conditions. At any specific time and place, atmospheric conditions (weather) regulate key factors like water evaporation, the vertical transport of greenhouse gases, and pollutant distribution. Over broader regions, Earth's rotation combined with the configuration of oceans and landmasses dramatically affects circulation patterns and climate systems. California State University, Chico employs multiple advanced tools for atmospheric research. Their Raman-shifted Eye-safe Aerosol Lidar (REAL) generates detailed maps showing dust and wind patterns across scales from approximately 10 meters to 5 kilometers. High-speed sensors, including ultrasonic anemometers and open-path CO2/H2O analyzers, facilitate precise measurement of vertical energy transfers. Additionally, a rotating simulation tank helps students and researchers observe the sometimes counterintuitive impacts of planetary rotation on atmospheric and oceanic flow patterns.