In this section you will find materials that support the implementation of EarthComm, Chapter 4: Chapter Challenge.

Reference

Explanations of Wind, Oceans, Weather, and Climate

Wind, Windows to the Universe
Describes the factors that create different pressures in the atmosphere which creates the winds around the globe.

General Characteristics of the World's Oceans, NASA
Reviews the general characteristics of the oceans, including temperature and salinity.  Contains several full-color images.

Climate, NOAA
NOAA portal for understanding climate.

Climate vs Weather, NOAA
Revision of important distinctions between climate and weather.

U.S. Climate Divisions, NOAA
Looks at how the US is divided into climate regions.

Global Climate Zones, National Geographic
Looks at how the world’s climates can be divided into categories resulting in widely used classification systems.

How Winds, Oceans, Weather, and Climate are Related

Air Masses, NOAA
Explains how air masses form, the principle classifications that influence the continental United States, and the formation of fronts between them.

Characteristics of the Atmosphere, Air Parcels and Air Masses, NASA
Scroll down to examine the characteristics of air masses, the lifting or rising of an air mass, air mass classification, and the movement directions of major air masses.

Oceans and Climate, NASA
Looks at the connection between the oceans and atmosphere, what ocean circulation is and why it is important, and its effects on climate.

Currents and Circulation of Atmosphere and Oceans, NOAA
Explains the connection between winds, global winds, and surface ocean currents.

What is the Ekman Spiral? NOAA
Describes the critical movement of ocean water caused by Earth's rotation.

Descriptions of Severe-Weather Events

Thunderstorms and Lightning...the Underrated Killers!, NOAA
Reviews the hazards associated with thunderstorms, including winds, rain, hail, and lightning. Also reviews the development of thunderstorms, where thunderstorms are likely to occur, and how to remain safe during a thunderstorm.

A Lightning Primer, Global Hydrology and Climate Center, NASA
Reviews characteristics of lightning and looks at the history of lightning research.

Severe Weather, Tornadoes, NOAA
Questions answered about tornadoes. Also disproves several tornado myths, reviews where tornadoes occur, and provides tips on how to stay informed about tornado watches.

Floods, FEMA
Introduction to floods and flash floods. Includes suggestions for preparing for a flood and facts on the devastation caused by floods.

Flash Floods and Floods...the Awesome Power!, NOAA
Explains how flash floods occur, presents information on devastating flash floods in the US, defines the different types of floods, and reviews steps for protecting oneself from flood damages.

Hurricanes: The Greatest Storms on Earth, NASA
Describes how hurricanes form, weaken, where they occur, how they are related to climate, and NASA missions to study hurricanes.

Safety Rules for Dealing with Severe-Weather Events

Floods, FEMA
Introduction to floods and flash floods. Includes suggestions for preparing for a flood and facts on the devastation caused by floods.

Preparedness Fast Facts - Thunderstorms, Red Cross
Reviews the hazards associated with thunderstorms, including winds, rain, hail, and lightning and how to remain safe during a thunderstorm.

Thunderstorm and Camping Safety, Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorology
Includes tips on protecting oneself from lightnig associated with thunderstorms while in the outdoors hiking or camping.

Are You Ready? – Tornadoes, FEMA
Explains the difference between a tornado watch and warning, how to recognize tornado dangers, and tips for safety before, during, and after a tornado.

Preparedness Fast Facts – Hurricanes, American Red Cross
Provides suggestions for preparing against the dangers of a hurricane.