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Annual Cycle of Monthly Mean Data

Grade levels: K-4, 5-8, 9-12
Themes: 21st century technology, ocean circulation, water cycle
Flat Tool: http://ourocean.jpl.nasa.gov/AQUARIUS/chp2.jsp
GoogleEarth Interface Tool: http://aquarius.jpl.nasa.gov/AQUARIUS_DEV/chp2.jsp

Create global maps of mean conditions for any month at designated depths (down to 1500m) using the pull-down menus. Monthly time-series graphs of salinity, temperature, or density can be plotted by selecting up to six locations (by clicking on the map or typing latitude/latitude information into the fields below). These time-series graphs can also represent up to six different depths. Plotted data will also be shown in a table that is easily downloaded (e.g., into Excel). Sources include interpolated atlas data or actual measurements from the database.

Focus Questions | Flat Tool Tutorial
 
Student Outcomes 
After using this tool, students should be able to:

Gather, analyze, and interpret environmental data about the ocean's effects on climate. (T: 5-8)

Conduct a complex experiment to answer a question they have about the effect of ocean salinity on climate. (T: 9-12)

Describe the connections between the salt water found in the ocean and the fresh water in the water cycle. (O: K-4)

Explain the effect of density on ocean circulation. (O: 5-8)

Explain the effect of solar energy heat on ocean circulation. (O: 5-8)

Explain the influence of ocean salinity on the thermohaline circulation (e.g., "global conveyor belt"). (O: 9-12)

Explain the relationship between fresh water and ocean dynamics. (W: 9-12)

Key:  C = climate / O = ocean circulation / T = 21st century technology / W = water cycle