Index of Mini-Studies

Each of these activities is designed to take two hours and to be worked by students in groups of 3. They are intended as tutorials in the use of data to study particular phenomena and I follow the activities with more in-depth writing assignments. I use the mini-studies in two labs, although they could occupy many more by spreading the activities over more sessions. I expect students to refer to these studies for their more comprehensive writing assignments.

Here is how I use this material: at the beginning of the lab session, students form groups of 3 and choose a different mini-study. After an hour, these groups make presentations of their findings to the class, thereby teaching each other what they learned. Students enjoy the presentations. The style is casual and supportive.

1. Atmosphere and Ocean Circulation
2. Deep Ocean Circulation
3. El-Nino
4. Greenhouse Gases
5. Human Influenced Climate Change
6. Indian Monsoon
7. Ozone Depletion
8. PaleoClimate
9. Seasonal Variations
10. Volcanoes and Climate
11. Winds and Surface Currents
12. How good a global citizen is a country?

Other Resources

• Note: Previously, students accessed the PMEL Live Access Server. A new data browser ("Global Ocean Data Viewer") is being prepared to view the same data, but with an interface oriented toward student viewing. Also, the Worldwatcher app will be substituted with the "Global Ocean Data Viewer."