NPC2

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Formation	October 3, 1970
Type	N/A
Headquarters	Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.
Membership	N/A
Language	N/A
Leader title	N/A
Leader name	N/A
Website	www.noaa.gov

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is an American scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce that focuses on the conditions of the oceans, major waterways, and the atmosphere. NOAA warns of dangerous weather, charts seas, guides the use and protection of ocean and coastal resources, and conducts research to provide understanding and improve stewardship of the environment.

History

NOAA was formed on October 3, 1970, after President Richard Nixon proposed creating a new agency to serve a national need for better environmental monitoring and management. It was established by reorganizing several existing agencies, including the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, the Weather Bureau, and the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries.

Mission and Goals

NOAA's mission is "to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources." The agency's goals include:

• To protect, restore, and manage the use of coastal and ocean resources through an ecosystem approach to management.
• To understand climate variability and change to enhance society's ability to plan and respond.
• To serve society's needs for weather and water information.
• To support the nation's commerce with information for safe, efficient, and environmentally sound transportation.

Structure

NOAA is composed of several key offices and programs, including:

• National Weather Service (NWS)
• National Ocean Service (NOS)
• Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)
• National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS)
• National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

Key Programs and Initiatives

NOAA conducts a variety of programs and initiatives, such as:

• The National Hurricane Center, which provides forecasts and warnings for tropical cyclones.
• The NOAA Corps, one of the seven uniformed services of the United States, which operates NOAA's fleet of research and survey ships and aircraft.
• The NOAA Climate Program Office, which supports climate research and assessments.

Research and Technology

NOAA is at the forefront of research in areas such as climate change, oceanography, and atmospheric sciences. The agency uses advanced technology, including satellites, buoys, and research vessels, to collect data and conduct experiments. NOAA's research helps improve weather forecasting, understand climate change, and protect marine ecosystems.

Impact and Importance

NOAA's work is crucial for public safety, economic growth, and environmental protection. By providing accurate weather forecasts, NOAA helps save lives and property. Its research supports sustainable fisheries and marine conservation, contributing to the health of the planet.

Also see

• National Weather Service
• United States Department of Commerce
• Climate change
• Oceanography
• Atmospheric sciences