What Journals and Publications Does AMS Offer, and How Can I Access Them?

Updated

The American Meteorological Society (AMS) publishes peer-reviewed journals, a flagship magazine, reference works, and books, all reachable through the Journals & Publications section of ametsoc.org. You can read journal content online, find subscription details on the dedicated Subscription Information page, and submit your own research through the Publishing with AMS pathway. Access terms depend on the individual publication and any subscription your institution or you hold, so check the Subscription Information page before assuming free access.

What AMS publishes

The site organizes its output into five areas:

Category What it is
Journals Online The AMS peer-reviewed research journals, available through the online journals platform
Journal Scopes and Terms of Reference Statements describing each journal's subject coverage and editorial remit
Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (BAMS) The Society's flagship publication
Glossary of Meteorology A reference glossary of meteorological terminology
Books and Monographs AMS books and monograph series

Each journal's scope page is the practical place to start if you are deciding where a manuscript belongs, because it states what the editors expect the journal to cover.

How to access publications

  1. Browse first. Open the Journals & Publications menu on ametsoc.org and choose Journals Online, BAMS, the Glossary, or Books and Monographs depending on what you need.
  2. Check access terms. The Subscription Information page (under Journals & Publications) is the authoritative source for how journal content is accessed. The site lists subscription as a relevant term, but the page itself is where the specific conditions are set out — read it rather than assuming content is open.
  3. Use institutional access where available. Many readers reach AMS journals through a library or corporate subscription; if a journal page asks you to sign in, your institution's subscription is usually the route.
  4. Create an account if needed. The site has Log In and My Account functions, and member accounts are tied to AMS membership. Membership and subscription are separate questions, so confirm which one a given publication requires.

The Glossary of Meteorology is a reference resource rather than a research journal, so treat it as a terminology lookup, not a citable primary source for new findings.

Publishing your own work with AMS

If your goal is to publish rather than read, the Publishing with AMS area provides the full path:

  • Submit a Manuscript — the entry point for new submissions.
  • Information for Authors — formatting, preparation, and submission requirements.
  • For Editors and Reviewers — guidance for those handling manuscripts.
  • Ethical Guidelines and AMS Policies — the standards authors and reviewers are expected to follow.

A practical sequence: confirm the target journal's scope, read Information for Authors before drafting to its format, then submit through the manuscript portal. Questions about a specific manuscript go to AMS Publications via the Contact AMS Publications link in the same section.

Common sticking points

  • JavaScript-dependent pages. The AMS site notes that parts of it are written in JavaScript and asks visitors to enable it for the best experience. If menus or account features do not respond, check your browser settings first.
  • Confusing membership with subscription. Renewing AMS membership and subscribing to publications are handled in different places; the membership prompt on the homepage does not by itself grant journal access.
  • Assuming open access. The presence of a Subscription Information page signals that access terms vary. Verify before planning to rely on a specific article.

For anything not covered on the site — pricing, institutional terms, or a specific journal's policy — the Subscription Information page and Contact AMS Publications are the two places to check.