The work activity is related to a student's field of study. The information provided by MDL is used to prepare forecasts for the aviation, agriculture, and marine industries as well as the general public.
Forecasts depend on accurate observations of the state of the atmosphere and oceans.
Observations come from direct measurements of atmospheric and oceanic variables such as wind speed and sea surface temperature. They also come from remote sensors such as with satellite or ground based radars and lightning detectors. The observed meteorological and oceanographic data are processed on mainframe and workstation computers and incorporated into large numerical and statistical models to produce forecasts. The program provides full time employment during alternating semesters while the student is in school. Upon graduation, the candidate may be able to take advantage of employment with the National Weather Service, within some other component of NOAA, with another Federal government agency, or even with a private company that does business with the government.