Atmospheric Dynamics and Hadley Cells
Atmospheric Dynamics and Hadley Cells Reading A reading that discusses the use of the law of conservation of angular momentum to explain the extent of Hadley cells. Students will learn to derive atmospheric dynamics equations for a model of Hadley circulation (based on Farrell’s theory). Use this tool to help your students find answers to: […]
Molecular Vibration Modes and Greenhouse Effect
Molecular Vibration Modes and Greenhouse Effect Reading A reading that discusses how chemical bonds in molecules respond to incident IR light and absorb IR energy during certain modes of vibration. The reading includes discussions on the vibrational modes of water vapor and carbon dioxide (CO2) molecules and explains why these gases act as greenhouse gases. […]
Black Carbon and Earth’s Albedo
Black Carbon and Earth’s Albedo Classroom/Laboratory Activity 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 […]
Black Carbon in the Atmosphere
Black Carbon in the Atmosphere Reading A reading that describes the effects of black carbon on the atmosphere and the climate system. This reading by Carl Zimmer for the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies details the albedo effect of black carbon, how it affects cloud formation, and its warming and cooling effects of […]
Black Carbon and Human Health
Black Carbon and Human Health Classroom/Laboratory Activity A classroom activity that discusses the impacts of black carbon emissions on human health. This activity by the Science Education Research Center at Carleton College (SERC Carleton) demonstrates how the burning of fossil fuels and biomass-based fuels results in black carbon emissions contribute to global warming, and impacts […]
Black Carbon- An Introduction
Black Carbon- An Introduction Reading An infographic that contains information on black carbon in the atmosphere and its contribution to global warming. This infographic titled, ‘Black Carbon’, by Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), explains what black carbon is, its sources, emission rates, impacts on health and climate, and solutions to reduce its emission. Students […]
Beer-Lambert Law
Beer-Lambert Law Reading A reading that uses the Beer-Lambert Law to highlight the link between greenhouse gases and global warming. This reading by Tom Kuntzleman, Chemical Education Xchange (ChemEd X), uses the Beer-Lambert Law to explain the increasing global warming potential of Earth’s atmosphere due to the higher concentrations of greenhouse gases in recent times. […]
The Greenhouse Effect
The Greenhouse Effect Model/Simulation An interactive simulation to explore the role of different greenhouse gases in causing the greenhouse effect. This PhET simulation titled, ‘The Greenhouse Effect’ by University of Colorado, Boulder, helps to visualise the greenhouse effect of the atmosphere. Students will learn how certain gases in the atmosphere absorb outgoing terrestrial radiation and […]
The Water Cycle
The Water Cycle Reading A reading that describes the impacts of climate change on the water cycle of Earth. This reading titled, ‘The Water Cycle and Climate Change’ by UCAR (University Corporation for Atmospheric Research) Center for Science Education details the effects of climate change on the natural water cycle on Earth. Students will learn […]
Precipitation Patterns and Climate Change
Precipitation Patterns and Climate Change Video A video micro-lecture by Jeff Dozier, University of California, Santa Barbara, that explains how climate change can affect the water cycle on Earth. Students will learn that rising temperatures can affect and change precipitation patterns. They will further understand how such changes can potentially affect communities through examples from […]