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Spatial Patterns of Long-Term Mean Data

Grade levels: 5-8, 9-12
Themes: 21st century technology, climate, ocean circulation, water cycle
Flat Tool: http://ourocean.jpl.nasa.gov/AQUARIUS/chp1.jsp
GoogleEarth Interface Tool: http://aquarius.jpl.nasa.gov/AQUARIUS_DEV/chp1.jsp

Interactive maps of surface conditions can be clicked to create in-water profiles of salinity, temperature, or density. 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)

Explain that the ocean holds a large amount of heat and the effect this has on climate. (C: 5-8)

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

Explain the effect of temperature on density. (W: 5-8)

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