Word by the Head of Department of Meteorology
Meteorology, the science of atmospheric phenomena, has been an active area of science for hundreds of years. Furthermore, renewed considerable interest in meteorology has revived recently; primarily because of the growing awareness of the risk of significant changes in the Earth’s weather and climate. We all are aware of the collateral damages associated with flooding in Jeddah on 26th November 2009 and in Riyadh on 3rd May 2010. Such incidences might be considered as the greatest threat facing humanity today.
Thus, excellence in the science of weather is vital for us to understand the dynamics of the atmosphere and ocean to anticipate extreme weather events and catastrophic changes in the climate. This department is an important step in the development of atmospheric science in the Kingdom.
Historically, the department of Meteorology was established in 1394 AH/1974 AD, mainly to provide the Kingdom with the information and data in the areas of meteorology in order to serve the maritime and aviation. The department is in continuous development phase. Now, it hosts significant resources in human expertise as well as in computational tools; to carry out state-of-the-art research and teaching in the field of meteorology.
The department offers the B. Sc., the M. Sc. and recently the Ph. D degree in several meteorology branches. The department utilizes modern technology in the educational process to achieve and to provide the appropriate and congenial academic environment for the students.
Special attention is being paid to the quality and the requirements that fulfill the needs of the potential employers. The department of meteorology is also paying careful attention to the international collaborations in order to acquire contemporary updates in teaching technology and to be aware of recent advances in meteorological science.
This site includes information about the research topics that have been undertaken in the department, the staff members and real time weather information and forecasting for KSA, in addition to historical data of Hada Al Sham, mobile meteorological stations and Center of Excellence for Climate Change Research and other upcoming projects
N.B.: If you have any comments or recommendations, please do not hesitate to contact us
Dr. abdulhaleem hussin labban
alabban@kau.edu.sa