the global learning and observation to benefit the environment (globe) program is a worldwide...
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The Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program is a worldwide hands-on,
primary and secondary school-based science and education program.
Sponsored by:
5 Scientific 5 Scientific Investigations:Investigations:
• Atmosphere
• Earth as a System
• Hydrology
• Land Cover/Biology
• Soil
AtmosphereAtmosphere• Main area of our study
• 4 components:oWeather – temp., precip., humidity,
cloudsoClimate – average & extreme conditionso Energy Budget – land-atmosphere
interactionsoAtmospheric Composition – trace gases
& particles in the air
AtmosphereAtmosphere• Many measurements best taken
at solar noon.o Sun’s highest point of the dayo To calculate, find average between
sunrise/sunset timeso Example: Sunrise 6:20am (0620) Sunset
7:10pm (1910)0620 + 1910 = 2530 / 2 =
12:45pmREMEMBER: 60 min in an hour, not 100.
AtmosphereAtmosphere• Measurements:
o Temperature (current, surface, max., min.)
oCloud & Contrail Cover and TypeoAerosols & Water VaporoRelative Humidityo PrecipitationoBarometric PressureoOzone
AtmosphereAtmosphere• Will begin with Cloud/Contrail data.
o Uses only cloud chart and human eye.o Must first define atmosphere study site.
Earth as a SystemEarth as a System• Connected System of 4 Parts:
oAtmosphere - SkyoHydrosphere - Watero Lithosphere - EarthoBiosphere – Living Matter
Earth as a SystemEarth as a System• Local VMS site not appropriate
for such studies.• What nearby conditions prevent
an accurate study of the surrounding region?
HydrologyHydrology• Conditions of Earth’s streams, rivers,
lakes, and coastal waters
• Hydrologic Cycle:o Heat from the sun evaporates water from
surfaceo Water vapor cools in atmosphere becoming
cloudso Droplets/crystals grow and then fall as
precipitateso On the ground, water is absorbed by soil/plants
or runs into streams/rivers
HydrologyHydrology• Total annual water loss from surface
must equal total annual precipitation.• Why are water measurements not
appropriate for VMS?
Land Cover/BiologyLand Cover/Biology• Mapping & monitoring the 1/3 of Earth that we
can live on is critical• Particularly suited for study from space
(satellites), covering large areas & easily revisiting them
• Satellite image sensors can view other wavelengths besides visible light (infrared, ultraviolet, etc.)
• Ground measurements should use same classification system as satellites for fair comparison
Land Cover/BiologyLand Cover/Biology• Measurements taken in 15 km x 15
km area, with VMS in center.• Why would this not be feasible?
o (1 km = 3281 ft = 0.6214 mi)
SoilSoil• Often taken for granted, soils are
an essential natural resource• Made up of 4 components:
oMineral Particles (varying sizes)oOrganic MaterialsoWater in Open PoresoAir in Open Pores
SoilSoil• 5 Soil Forming Factors:
o Parent MaterialoClimateoOrganismso Topographyo Time
• Will be studying soil temperature at 5 and 10 cmo (1 in = 2.54 cm)
First, we must begin First, we must begin with the GLOBE with the GLOBE
Atmosphere Study site Atmosphere Study site selection.selection.