Detecting El Niño in Sea Surface Temperature Data
Note: This chapter was retired in October 2018. The visualization tool (My World GIS) is no longer supported. SST anomalies for December 1997 displayed in My World GIS™. 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 Niño and La Niña 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 Niño and La Niña 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 Niño and La Niña SST pattern emerged in that year's data.

Globe Watersheds Module 1: Water Availability

The GLOBE Watershed Dynamics Module 1 GIS tool is a freely available web-based GIS. This tool allows users to analyze precipitation, evaporation, and surface runoff data across the US. Curriculum is available for this project upon request at this time (March, 2010), but will be available through Northwestern University Office of STEM Education Partnerships and through the GLOBE Program Office in the future. Contact Colleen Buzby for more information. c-buzby AT northwestern.edu. Originally available from http://wd.fieldscope.us/

Probe Earth's Interior with Advanced Radiation Sources

Visualization of the Earth's interior based on sources of radiation.

Health Map - Focus on Haiti

This map of the Port au Prince, powered by Google Maps, shows links to health-related stories as placemarks. A Feeds menu allows users to select which news sources to view on the map.

GIS Imagery for Haiti Earthquake

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

Haiti Crisis Map

This map from the Open Source Geospatial Foundation Telascience is a mashup of satellite, topographic, and political maps, which can be toggled as overlays. All maps are of Port au Prince area, Haiti.

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.

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.

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.

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.