Conceptual Models of Atmospheric Space: A Study of Experiential Knowledge in Folk and Scientific Representations of the Atmosphere

This research considers experiential knowledge as a basis for distinguishing conceptual models of atmospheric space from those of terrestrial geographic space. Models of spatial knowledge typically define knowledge acquisition in terms of a static environmental framework, a framework that accurately represents the manner in which individuals experience terrestrial space. However, this framework does not adequately account for experiential knowledge of the atmosphere. Weather phenomena are typically defined by both spatial and temporal attributes. The current investigation considers this distinction as a basis for exploring conceptual models of large-scale atmospheric phenomena. A variety of classifications have been set forth in the cognitive literature to characterize experiential knowledge of large-scale geographic domains (Tversky et al., 1999; Montello, 1993; Zubin, 1989). For instance, consider the distinction between small and large-scale space (Ittelson, 1973), perceptual and transperceptual knowledge (Downs and Stea, 1977), primary and secondary knowledge acquisition (Presson and Hazelrigg, 1984), and the like, as relevant examples. These typologies account for the manner in which the surface of the earth is experienced. Knowledge of terrestrial space is acquired through direct experience, usually navigation, or indirectly through map analysis. In this manner, cognitive models of terrestrial space are proposed to be scale dependent. Direct experience is defined by an observer’s ability to perceive a given domain. Secondary representations typically serve to overlap, substitute for, enhance, or extend the domain of direct experience. The body of theory set forth to characterize experiential knowledge of large-scale geographic space does not easily extend to the atmosphere. The limitations of existing models primarily lie in an inability to account for the spatiotemporal dynamics of atmospheric phenomena. The assumption of a “static” environment is inherent in cognitive models of terrestrial space, exemplified by the dominant framework (Hart and Moore, 1973; Siegel and White, 1975), cartographic theory, or perhaps even the metaphorical use of the phrase “cognitive map” (Tolman, 1948). Weather phenomena move across space, change shape, grow, shrink, strengthen and weaken over time. They typically exist independent of their location in space. This relationship stands in contrast to geographic objects that are not simply located in space, but are tied to space in such a manner that they derive many unique properties from this relationship (Smith and Mark, 1998). Apart from spatial properties, atmospheric phenomena can be perceived and conceptualized as instantaneous events, bounded occurrences or continuous processes. Although this discussion has been brief, the qualitative distinctions outlined above highlight the variable manner in which both spatial and temporal properties must be taken into account in developing conceptual models of atmospheric phenomena. The paper continues with a more detailed discussion of experiential knowledge of atmospheric entities.