Ozone independent research projects (TOMS)

TEACHER COPY

PROJECT 2

Many people claim that an asteroid hitting the Earth would be able to spread enough ash to cloud the entire planet. This could eventually block out the sun and end life as we know it. Recently, there have been duststorms, fires, and eruptions that have emitted dust and gases into the lower atmosphere (called the troposphere) . Find at least 2 pieces of data from TOMS that PROVES the troposphere is capable of transporting dust and debris large distances. Be able to explain each piece of evidence used, as well as how satellites might be used in the future to predict aerosol movement.

Objectives: the student will be able to:

- explain how TOMS instruments can be used to detect aerosols
- analyze TOMS aerosol data to conclude how particles move in the troposphere

Summary: Earth Probe TOMS has just started using some of its instruments to map UV-absorbing tropospheric aerosols. Currently (Aug. 1998) biomass burning, dust storms, volcanic ash clouds, and even oil fires have been detectable. For example, in this project, your students might find a looping map of the Mongolian duststorms of April, 1998 very useful. This loop shows how dust eventually reached the California shores. Eventually, scientists hope to "tune" the instruments on Earth Probe TOMS to better see all aerosols.

Coding:
Maryland Core Learning Goals (Science):
National Standards (Science): A1,3,4,5,6 ; B4,6 ; D1 ; F4,5 ; G3
National Standards (Geography): 1, 3
National Standards (Mathematics): 4.1

Head Page - Background - Credits - OVERVIEW OF ALL PROJECTS

PROJECT 1 TEACHER COPY

PROJECT 3 TEACHER COPY

PROJECT 4 TEACHER COPY

PROJECT 5 TEACHER COPY - PROJECT 5 PRINTABLE WORK SHEET