| Authors: | Jacob L. Fields, Geddy R. Davis, Zachary T. Leasor, Jason Cervenec |
| Volume: | Volume 2024, No. 004 |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.46275/JOASC.2024.07.001 |
| Abstract: | In recent years, advancements in the field of artificial intelligence have increased exponentially, culminating in widely available user-based tools such as ChatGPT. Although fairly new, these tools have as of yet been underutilized by the scientific community, including climatology. As a large language model, ChatGPT’s strong ability to accurately respond to prompts allows it to be used as a comprehensive tool with a variety of applications in climatology, which this article groups into practical and conceptual applications. Practically, ChatGPT excels in the assistance of code creation and troubleshooting, allowing for efficient automation of data collection, as well as the process of basic data sorting. Conceptually, the tool gives a foundation for researchers to “fill the knowledge gap” by gaining a basic understanding of supplementary information presented in the literature review portion of a research project. While ChatGPT is powerful, it contains significant limitations that hinder its status as a standalone tool, such as occasional inaccurate responses, lack of transparency, and absence of data protection. Despite these setbacks, use of ChatGPT in a responsible and ethical manner with awareness of its limitations can be efficient, dynamic, and adherent to the principles of scientific integrity. |
| Link: | https://stateclimate.org/pdfs/journal-articles/2024_4-Fields.pdf |
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