Science & ResearchO*NET: 19-2021.00
Will AI Replace Atmospheric and Space Scientists?
Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.
42out of 100
Medium Risk
AI Risk Score
42/100
Risk Level
Medium
Job Zone
4/5
Advanced
Total Tasks Analyzed
18
🤖 What AI Can Do
- ▸Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
- ▸Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
- ▸Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
- ▸Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
- ▸Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
- ▸Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
👤 What Requires Humans
- ▸Develop and deliver training on weather topics.
- ▸Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.
Task Breakdown
🤖AI Can Automate (12)
- Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
- Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
- Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
- Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
- Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
- Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
- Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.
- Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.
- Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.
- Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.
- Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.
- Apply meteorological knowledge to issues such as global warming, pollution control, or ozone depletion.
👤Requires Humans (2)
- Develop and deliver training on weather topics.
- Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.
⚡AI-Assisted (4)
- Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
- Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.
- Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions.
- Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons.
Key Skills Analysis
Reading ComprehensionAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 4.12/5.00
Active Listening
Importance: 4.00/5.00
Speaking
Importance: 4.00/5.00
Science
Importance: 4.00/5.00
Critical ThinkingAI-Resistant
Importance: 4.00/5.00
Active LearningAI-Resistant
Importance: 4.00/5.00
WritingAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.88/5.00
Complex Problem SolvingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.88/5.00
Judgment and Decision MakingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.75/5.00
MathematicsAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.38/5.00
Learning Strategies
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Monitoring
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Social PerceptivenessAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Systems AnalysisAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.12/5.00
CoordinationAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
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Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our analysis, Atmospheric and Space Scientists have a medium risk of AI replacement with a score of 42/100. While some tasks can be assisted by AI, the core responsibilities require human judgment and skills.
Last updated: 2026-03-28· Data from O*NET 30.2 & Frey/Osborne automation research