Earth Science – TROP ICSU

Classroom/Laboratory Activity: Reconstruction of Paleoclimate by Using Isotopic Composition Data

Posted by anitanagarajan in All Tools, Chemistry, Earth Science

Students will plot graphs to analyze data from the Vostok ice core in Antarctica, learn about the ice age and the gas age, calculate past temperatures using hydrogen isotope data, and discuss the possible impacts of changes in carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) concentrations on climate.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

How can you use hydrogen isotope data in an ice core to determine temperature?
How can the isotopic composition of air bubbles in ice cores be used to recreate past climate?

About the Tool

Tool Name	Lab: Vostok Ice Core
Discipline	Chemistry, Earth Sciences
Topic(s) in Discipline	Isotopes, Isotopic Ratios, Isotopic Composition in paloeclimate reconstructions
Climate Topic	Climate and the Cryosphere, Climate Variability Record
Type of Tool	Laboratory Activity
Grade Level	Undergraduate
Location	Antarctica
	Vostok Station
Language	English
Translation
Developed by	Stephanie Pfirman, Barnard College
Hosted at	Columbia University: The Climate System course taught by Peter Schlosser, Stephanie Pfirman, Mingfang Ting, Jason Smerdon
Link	http://eesc.columbia.edu/courses/ees/climate/labs/vostok/
Access	Online, Offline
Computer Skills	Intermediate

E-learning Course: The Earth’s Climate

Posted by anitanagarajan in All Tools, Earth Science

An e-learning course to learn about the Earth’s climate system, climate change in the past and present, the impact of climate change, and measures for adaption and mitigation.

Model/Simulator: The Geologic Carbon Cycle and Earth’s Climate

Posted by anitanagarajan in All Tools, Earth Science

A model/simulator to learn about the geologic carbon cycle and its role in stabilizing the Earth’s climate.

Teaching Module: The Impact of ENSO and Human Activities on River Hydrology (a case study of the Huanghe River)

Posted by anitanagarajan in All Tools, Earth Science

A teaching module to learn about the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) by performing calculations and analyzing results for Tahiti and Darwin (Australia), and for the Huanghe River in China.

Visualization, Model/Simulator, Game: Build Planet Earth

Posted by anitanagarajan in All Tools, Earth Science

A visualization/model/game to build your own version of planet Earth and learn about the Earth’s climate system and the factors that influence it by configuring various parameters and observing their effect on climate.

Model/Simulator: Greenhouse Gases and Infrared Radiation

Posted by anitanagarajan in All Tools, Earth Science

A model/simulator to understand the effect of greenhouse gases on outgoing energy flux, and to compare the absorption of infrared radiation by various greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and water vapor.

Visualization: Radiation Balance and the Climate of a Planet

Posted by anitanagarajan in All Tools, Earth Science

A visualization to learn about the factors that influence the climate of a planet.

Laboratory Activity: Urban Heat Island

Posted by TROP ICSU in All Tools, Earth Science, Physics

A laboratory activity to learn about the urban heat island effect and heat waves.

Satellite images show Harvey’s impact on Texas towns

Posted by TROP ICSU in All Tools, Earth Science, Environmental Science

Texas was hit by Harvey hurricane in September 2017. The visualisation shows Harvey’s impact on Texas towns. Credits to Extreme Weather, Digital Globe and CNN.

Game: Climate Change and Energy

Posted by TROP ICSU in All Tools, Earth Science, Environmental Science

A game to explore scenarios of future energy demand, allocate different energy sources to meet projected demands, and observe the consequences on carbon emission levels and global temperature.

E-learning Course: Understanding and Addressing Climate-related Challenges from China’s Perspective

Posted by TROP ICSU in All Tools, Earth Science

An e-learning course to understand the science of climate change, climate change-related challenges, and opportunities/solutions to address these challenges for the world, in general, and for China, in particular.