Browse Water Properties Resources

Sea Surface Temperature, Salinity and Density

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Subtopics:

Water Properties, Earth Systems, Technology, Remote Sensing, Data

Type:

Video

Audience:

Informal, Formal, General

Standards:

ESS2.C

Keywords:

sea surface temperature, salinity, density, ocean circulation

Summary:

The animations in this group show the long-term average sea surface temperature, the long term average sea surface salinity, and the the long term average sea surface density.

The Thermohaline Circulation - The Great Ocean Conveyor Belt

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Subtopics:

Water Properties, Earth Systems, Energy Cycle

Type:

Video

Audience:

Informal, Formal, 9 - 12, 6 - 8

Standards:

ESS2.C

Keywords:

ocean, density, salinity, ocean temperature, ocean circulation, thermohaline, ocean currents

Summary:

The oceans are mostly composed of warm salty water near the surface over cold, less salty water in the ocean depths. These two regions don't mix except in certain special areas, which creates a large slow current called the thermohaline circulation.

Aquarius Ocean Circulation

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Subtopics:

Water Properties, Weather and Climate, Climate, Satellites, Remote Sensing

Type:

Video

Audience:

Informal, Formal, General

Standards:

ESS2.A, ESS2.D, ESS3.D

Keywords:

ocean currents, density, energy cycle, salinity, ocean temperature, climate change, wind

Summary:

Ocean circulation plays a key role in distributing solar energy and maintaining climate, by moving heat from Earth's equator to the poles. Aquarius salinity data, combined with data from other sensors, will give us a clearer picture of how the ocean works

Earth Observatory Water Cycle Overview

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Subtopics:

Hydrologic Cycle, Water Properties, Societal Applications

Type:

Article

Audience:

Outreach, Informal, General

Standards:

ESS2.C

Keywords:

water vapor, freshwater, oceans, water distribution

Summary:

Water is a vital substance that sets the Earth apart from the rest of the planets in our solar system. In particular, water appears to be a necessary ingredient for the development and nourishment of life.

Measuring Raindrops

Primary Topic:

Technology

Subtopics:

Precipitation, Water Properties, Tropical Cyclones

Type:

Lesson Plan

Audience:

Formal, 6 - 8, 9 - 12

Standards:

ESS2.C, ESS2.D

Keywords:

clouds, raindrops, cloud chamber, meteorology

Summary:

Students then collect and analyze data about the size and shapes of raindrops. Students have the opportunity to compare a 2-D representation to a 3-D representation to understand why scientists use multiple sources of data to study Earth Systems.