Advances in understanding the physics of the ocean and the atmosphere. In order to develop more accurate equations for the computer models, scientists must better understand what is going on in the atmosphere. Meteorology has grown enormously as a profession and a scientific field. Many more scientists have devoted their entire careers to understanding atmospheric and oceanic physics and how they interact. Advances in atmospheric observations.
Good observations are crucial to improving model performance and for atmospheric studies.
For example, if you have a really good atmospheric model, but bad observations, the model will create a bad forecast no matter how advanced its equations. Scientists have been making atmospheric observations for centuries. As technology has rapidly improved, the ability to observe has also improved. New technology, such as satellites, have enabled meteorologists to make observations over locations such as the Pacific Ocean, which were not possible using land-based instruments. NCEP is currently overhauling and modernizing its observation network, which will lead to much improved observations in the near future.