Detecting El NiÃo in Sea Surface Temperature Data
SST anomalies for December 1997 displayed in My World GISâ. Red indicates above average temperatures compared to average SST temperatures for December data averaged over the years 1982-1998. This chapter introduces you to normal seasonal sea surface temperature (SST) variation as well as extreme variation, as in the case of El NiÃo and La NiÃa events, in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. You will learn how to download seasonal SST data from the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL), via a THREDDS server, for the years 1982 to 1998. With My World GIS, you will visualize and analyze that data, looking for the tell-tale SST signature of El NiÃo and La NiÃa events that occurred during that time period. At the conclusion of the chapter, you will be given the opportunity to analyze a season of your own choosing to determine if an El NiÃo and La NiÃa SST pattern emerged in that year's data.

My World GIS

My World is a Geographic Information System (GIS) designed specifically for use in middle school through college classrooms. My World provides a carefully selected subset of the features of a professional GIS environment. These features include multiple geographic projections, table and map views of data, distance-measurement tools, buffering and query operations, and customizable map display. They have been selected to provide the greatest value to students without overwhelming them with complexity. The features are accessed through a supportive interface designed with the needs of students and teachers in mind. My World can import data from the industry-standard shapefile format, as well as from tab and comma-delimited text files. In the future, it will be able to communicate directly with GPS-enabled handheld devices. The web site features links to download My World GIS software along with sample data and documentation. This resource is part of the Using Global Data Sets collection. http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/globaldata02/

SAGUARO: Science and GIS Unlocking Analysis and Research Opportunities

The SAGUARO project CD-ROM features three learning modules that use GIS to learn about earth system science. The three modules - Exploring Tropical Cyclones, Exploring the Dynamic Earth, and Exploring Water Resources - use GIS to help students identify physical and spatial relationships and construct multiple representations of data as maps, tables, charts, and graphic layouts. The modules use a multimedia approach, incorporating animations, video, audio, and digital stills. Using GIS allows for data manipulation, exploration, and an inquiry-based approach to learning. Computer skills are not necessary because the modules are presented in a format that focuses on the concepts of earth science rather than on learning GIS skills. Each module is accompanied by an extensive list of supporting resources including books and links to relevant websites. The modules are available for individual purchase from the site and each comes with licensed GIS software.

NOAA Interactive GIS Climate Maps

This website contains an interactive GIS map with global temperatures, precipitation, ecosystems, population and other layers. The tool can zoom in and out, provide limited geographic information, and display a variety of climatic information.

Port au Prince, Haiti: Google Maps

This Google Maps view is centered on the island of Hispanola, which is shared by the countries of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The Capital of Haiti, Port au Prince, is flagged.

GeoEye 2010 Haiti Earthquake Satellite photos

This half-meter resolution satellite image shows Port-au-Prince, Haiti after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck the area on Jan. 12, 2010. The image clearly shows extensive damage, roads covered with debris from collapsed structures, and people crowded in the streets and public places such as sports fields and stadiums.

Haiti Earthquake Maps and Data - Google Earth Library

This page includes links to all kinds of spatial data on the Haiti earthquake. Along with a few Google Earth (kmz) files, links are also provided to general maps of Haiti as well as seismic maps.

NASA Imagery of Haiti

This page includes a collection of NASA images surrounding the Haiti Earthquake. Images include landslide risk maps, photos from the Terra Spacecraft, post-earthquake Port au Prince, Hispaniola topography map, anaglyph (3-D) map of southern Haiti, and 3-D topography of Port au Prince.

GIS Imagery for Haiti Earthquake

A collection of GIS map data compiled by Google Crisis Response, containing downloadable high-resolution images from several sources.

SERTIT satellite maps of Haiti

This page from SERTIT Rapid Mapping includes a collection of annotated satellite maps (some in French) showing damage distribution, gathering areas, water sources, and other information.