A laboratory activity to demonstrate the effect of black carbon on surface temperature of the Earth. This activity by Holzer et al. for the NESTA/Windows to the Universe team demonstrates the impact of black carbon on solar radiation absorption, particularly in the poles.
Students will be introduced to the albedo effect of black carbon. From the experiment, they will also learn how to collect and translate their findings using a simple model.
Use this tool to help your students find answers to:
What is the albedo effect of black carbon and how does it affect the surface temperature of Earth?
Discuss how cutting down of black carbon emissions can reduce global surface temperatures.
About the tool
Tool Name
Changing Planet: Black Carbon- A Dusty Situation
Discipline
Chemistry
Topic(s) in Discipline
Carbon Chemistry, Allotropy, Allotropes of carbon, Black Carbon, Greenhouse Gas
Climate Topic
Climate and the Atmosphere, Greenhouse Effect
Type of tool
Classroom/Laboratory Activity
Grade Level
High School
Location
Global
Language
English
Translation
Developed by
Missy Holzer, Jennifer Bergman, and Roberta Johnson
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