Is Meteorology/Atmospheric Sciences an Earth Science?

[~Cookie~]

And related questions.
Although for all I have read, these have been considered Earth Sciences. But I ponder because when I think of Earth Sciences, I think 'ground'. But these topics are not focused toward the 'ground' as much. The more specific reason I ask is I am interested in these fields to continue on in university. The nearest University to me has excellent Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences programs. (Maybe someone could give very distinct differences between the two, they seem so similar) I was hoping to start a 'base' here in Earth Sciences, and continue to major more toward Meteorology elsewhere that has a more specific program to that. Since I have read, there are many branches into meteorology, so you can kind of filter into it more specifically with things like chemistry, physics, I wonder how Earth Sciences 'filters' in. So ultimately, is my 'plan of action' reasonable?
Very sorry for such length, but would appreciate any clarification.
okla:
In what context do you 'know who I am'? I think it was implied that you know my positon right now trying to get to a career toward my interests.

 

[oklatonola]

Yes, meteorology and atmospheric sciences are earth sciences, but meteorology schools are usually a seperate administrative unit in a university. Physics has many many different applied specialties, including meteorology. Get a Ph.D. in physics and get hired by a meteorology school. I can give you a referral to physicist who works for the School of Meteorology at the University of Oklahoma.

I know who you are. You give yourself away in your complicated questions.