The Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory is a laboratory located in Miami, Florida, U.S.A., within the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that conducts research to understand the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics and processes of the ocean, particularly the Atlantic Ocean, and the atmosphere, both separately and as a coupled system. The principal focus of these investigations is to advance knowledge that leads to more accurate forecasting of severe storms, better use and management of marine resources, better understanding of the factors affecting both climate and environmental quality, and improved ocean and weather services for the United States.