This lesson plan uses Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) cloud data and a weather map to explore cloud coverage during a winter storm. When atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists, study weather patterns, they may use several different sources of information. For example, in studying storm patterns, they may use a combination of Earth Observing Satellite data, such as from CERES, weather satellite imagery, such as from NOAA, and geographical tools to determine locations and paths of storms. As one part of the training to analyze this data and imagery, scientists look at 'case studies' such as the late winter storm shown in the weather satellite imagery included with the lesson. An infrared satellite image looks at the temperature. Cold things (like high clouds) are very bright. Warm things (like Mexico and Florida) are dark. The imagery can be compared to data collected by other satellites, so that improved models of storm patterns can be developed.
This description of a site outside SERC has not been vetted by SERC staff and may be incomplete or incorrect. If you
have information we can use to flesh out or correct this record let us know.
Subject: Geoscience:Atmospheric Science, Biology, Geoscience:Atmospheric Science:Climatology , Geoscience:Lunar and Planetary Science Resource Type: Datasets and Tools:Datasets Grade Level: High School (9-12), Middle (6-8) Theme: Teach the Earth:Incorporating Societal Issues:Climate Change, Teach the Earth:Course Topics:Planetary Science, Atmospheric ScienceKeywords: Data Analysis, Graphing, Computer Technology, Ozone, Aerosols, Atmosphere--Physical Properties, Weather, Clouds and Cloud Cover, Solar Radiation, Remote Sensing (Active and Passive)
