national oceanic and atmospheric administration
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A unit in the U.S. Department of Commerce responsible for monitoring the environment in order to make accurate and timely weather forecasts and to protect life, property, and the environment. • It was established in 1970 under Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970 and operates through several agencies: the National Weather Service (NWS); the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS); the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS); the National Ocean Service (NOS); and the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR). It also maintains a fleet of ships and aircraft for research. — Abbr. NOAA.
