Research areas supported by the Division include meteorology, atmospheric physics and atmospheric environment.

Atmospheric science studies various kinds of natural phenomena occurring in the atmosphere and the laws underlying the mechanisms of variation so as to use these laws to serve the mankind.

In recent years, following the introduction of systems science and sphere interaction concepts of the Earth, atmospheric science enters into a new historical phase of development. The atmosphere is a very active sphere in the earth system. Its changes are adjusted and controlled by other spheres in the system and celestial bodies such as the sun, while the response of the atmosphere to the changes will result in simultaneously important and direct impact on the ocean, terrestrial surface, ice and snow and the ecosystem on the Earth. The atmosphere plays an important role in the interaction among different spheres of the earth system, and the interaction of the atmosphere with other spheres regulates the whole behavior of the earth system. Therefore, from the view point of the influence, interaction and feedback of the global climate with hydrosphere, lithosphere, cryosphere, biosphere and human activity, contemporary atmospheric science studies the nature of atmospheric movement and change, the variable rules of the weather, climate system and its prediction, regulating techniques and measures against local weather, impact of human activities on the weather, climate and natural environment, and the impact of change in global climate and environment to human society.

Atmospheric science is developing towards the intercrossing and interpenetration of different disciplines from all directions. In addition to continually deepening the present research, the Division will pay more attention to research on the interaction in different spheres, synthesis and integration of various processes as well as systematization and modeling, the linkage and integration of different methodologies such as observation, analysis, theory, simulation and prediction, global climate and environment change and its impact, prediction and compatibility, the optimization of human living environment and the regulation so as to provide a scientific basis for sustainable development of mankind and the society.

In 2003, there were 255 grant proposals for General Program, which is an increase of 28.1% than that in 2002. They include 178 for Free Application projects (which is an increase of 26.2% than that in 2002), 63 for Young Scientists Fund (which is an increase of 34.0% than that in 2002), and 14 for Regional Fund projects (an increase of 24.3% than that in 2002). Among the proposals for General Program projects, those for climatology, atmospheric dynamics, atmospheric remote sounding and atmospheric exploration hold the first places, accounting for 29.4%, 12.2% and 11.0% of all.

Projects supported by the Division in 2003 include 37 for Free Application, with the success rate of 20.8% and an average intensity of 318.6 thousand yuan per project. In addition, there were five small-fund projects and the average funding intensity is 96 thousand yuan per project, 20 projects of Young Scientists Fund (the success rate is 31.7% and the average intensity is 252.0 thousand yuan per project) and two Regional projects (the success rate is 14.3%, and the average intensity is 240 thousand yuan per project). Among all the branches, the success rate of atmospheric boundary layer physics and atmospheric dynamics, atmospheric physics, atmospheric remote sounding and atmospheric exploration are high, those for projects on atmospheric boundary physics, atmospheric turbulence and applied meteorology are still lower than the average.

The age of applicants is younger than before. 147 applicants were under the age of 45, accounting for 77.3% of the total (compared with 70% in 2002).

During the Tenth Five-Year Plan period, the Division will continually encourage the study of various exploratory and creative issues, and the study of various unknown phenomena and issues occurred in the atmosphere by using latest results and methods from the basic disciplines such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology as well as advanced equipment and technologies. For interdisciplinary research, the correct code should be indicated in the application form. The Division encourages applications related to large-scaled scientific experiments currently conducted in China and key projects already funded in the priority research areas by the Department of Earth Sciences during the Tenth Five-Year Plan period.