What type of analysis is carried out by forensic meteorologists?

Forensic meteorologists focus on the analysis of past weather conditions particularly as they relate to criminal investigations. This specialization involves examining historical weather data to establish how weather may have influenced the events surrounding a crime scene. For example, they can provide insights on visibility, temperature, precipitation, and wind conditions at the time of an incident, which can be pivotal in understanding the context of a crime or in corroborating witness accounts. By reconstructing the weather conditions, forensic meteorologists support legal cases and help establish facts that may otherwise be ambiguous or disputed.

In contrast, the other types of analysis mentioned do not directly relate to criminal investigations. Evaluating environmental impact statements is typically tied to development projects and their consequences on ecosystems, while analyzing seasonal weather patterns focuses more on general climate trends rather than specific incidents. Lastly, the analysis of climate change effects involves long-term changes in climatic conditions rather than the immediate weather conditions relevant to a particular criminal case. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the forensic meteorologist's role in applying past weather data to legal circumstances.