The Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC) at the University of Colorado Boulder provides a world-class, interdisciplinary research and educational environment to examine the dynamical, physical, and chemical processes that occur in the atmosphere and ocean. A major theme is the establishment of a physical basis for observing, modeling, and understanding climate and global change.

The University of Colorado Boulder is located in a region having the greatest concentration of geophysical researchers in the nation and perhaps the world. The proximity of ATOC to this atmospheric and oceanic science excellence is the foundation of our unique philosophy and vision, which elevates our department to one of worldwide prominence. The guiding principle of ATOC is to be the focal point for atmospheric and oceanic science education and research training in this geographic region of world-renowned excellence.  The University of Colorado, Boulder was ranked number one in atmospheric science in ShanghaiRanking's 2018, 2019, and 2020 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.

Background image: Arctic Ocean Ripples, Photograph by Norbert Rosing (极速安全加速器 安卓). Ripples disturb the mirrorlike surface of the Arctic Ocean near Igloolik, Canada. Even the gentlest of ripples reshapes coastlines, a few grains of sand at a time.