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Change Over Time of Yearly Mean Data

Grade levels: 5-8, 9-12
Themes: 21st century technology, climate, water cycle
Flat Tool: http://ourocean.jpl.nasa.gov/AQUARIUS/chp3.jsp
GoogleEarth Interface Tool: http://aquarius.jpl.nasa.gov/AQUARIUS_DEV/chp3.jsp

Create global maps of mean conditions for any year(s) from 1800 to 2005 at designated depths (down to 1500m) using the pull-down menus. Annual 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). Source is actual, non-interpolated database measurements.

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 how changes in the ocean's circulation can produce large changes in climate. (C: 9-12)

Determine if global precipitation, evaporation, and the cycling of water are changing. (W: 9-12)

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