KMA Grade 9 Meteorologist study guide
KMA Grade 9 Meteorologist · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The KMA Grade 9 Meteorologist examination (기상직 9급) is the recruitment route into entry-level meteorologist posts at the Korea Meteorological Administration. It suits graduates in meteorology, atmospheric science, or related physical sciences who want a public-sector forecasting, observation, or research career, and it is also taken by candidates already working toward KMA roles. The KMA Grade 9 Meteorologist study guide has 6 sections and about 1,928 words.
01General and Dynamic Meteorology
KMA Grade 9 meteorology candidates are tested on general and dynamic meteorology: the primitive equations, balance laws, vorticity, and scale analysis. Questions often ask you to derive a wind from a pressure field or to judge which force dominates at a given scale, so keep units and signs explicit.
347 words, about 2 min02Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Physical Meteorology
Atmospheric thermodynamics and physical meteorology covers the first law, moisture variables, adiabatic processes, stability, and cloud microphysics. The exam expects numerical fluency with potential temperature, mixing ratio, and CAPE, plus a physical picture of phase change.
323 words, about 2 min03Synoptic and Mesoscale Meteorology
Synoptic and mesoscale meteorology tests your ability to diagnose fronts, cyclones, jet streaks, and organized convection from charts and soundings. KMA Grade 9 items frequently ask where ascent will occur and why, so link the quasi-geostrophic (QG) omega equation to the observed pattern.
335 words, about 2 min04Weather Analysis and Forecasting
Weather analysis and forecasting examines station models, upper-air charts, thickness, thermodynamic diagrams, and the use of NWP guidance. The exam tests whether you can turn observations into a short-range forecast and verify it honestly.
320 words, about 2 min05Climatology and Atmospheric Radiation
Climatology and atmospheric radiation covers the energy balance, radiation laws, general circulation, and major climate modes. Expect questions that connect a radiation calculation to the greenhouse effect or a circulation cell to observed climate.
295 words, about 1 min06Atmospheric Observation, Remote Sensing and Numerical Weather Prediction
Atmospheric observation, remote sensing, and numerical weather prediction covers radiosondes, radar, satellite channels, data assimilation, and model behavior. The exam tests instrument interpretation and the limits of NWP, not just definitions.
308 words, about 2 min