— Ch. 1 · Founding And Mission —
Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society.
~2 min read · Ch. 1 of 5
The Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society began as a flagship magazine for the weather, water, and climate community. It serves scientists who study atmospheric phenomena and their impact on human life. The journal publishes peer reviewed articles that carry significant weight in this field. News, editorials, and reviews appear alongside these research papers to engage AMS members directly. This dual focus creates a bridge between hard science and professional discourse within the society.
Publication Format Evolution
Print distribution once defined how readers received information from BAMS. A transition occurred to move toward a fully open access digital edition. Modern versions replicate the print issue cover-to-cover for those who prefer traditional layouts. Enhanced articles now include audio and video elements that were impossible in earlier decades. This shift allows researchers to share complex data through multimedia formats rather than static text alone.Peer Review Process
Rigorous standards apply to every scientific article submitted for publication within the journal. Editors ensure that findings meet the high expectations of the weather, water, and climate community before release. Only work deemed to have interest and significance passes this strict evaluation gate. This process maintains the integrity of the data presented to professionals worldwide. Peer review acts as a filter for quality control across all published content.Content Categories
Diverse ranges of content fill the pages of each monthly or quarterly issue. Research articles form the core backbone of the publication's identity and value. News items keep members updated on current events affecting their specific fields of study. Editorials offer opinion pieces from leaders within the American Meteorological Society. Reviews provide critical assessments of new books or technologies relevant to atmospheric science.Membership Access Models
American Meteorological Society members receive exclusive benefits when they subscribe to BAMS. These perks include access to the digital version which mirrors the print issue exactly. Public open access availability ensures non-members can also read the material without paywalls. The digital platform often includes enhanced articles with audio and video components. This model balances professional exclusivity with broad public education goals.