This article deals with the phenomena of El Nino and La Nina. Topics include the apparently widespread effect of these phenomena on weather systems around the Earth and new methods to detect their arrival and departure. There is a discussion of the use of SeaWIFS satellite data to detect changes in the distribution of oceanic algae (phytoplankton) which occur when warm or cool water masses move, as ... Full description.

CRYosphere SYStem in Canada (CRYSYS) provides information on the Earth's cryosphere and its relation to the climate system. Contents include facts about snow, lake ice, sea ice, permafrost, and glaciers and ice caps. A photo gallery offers several images of many cryospheric phenomena. Full description.

In this lesson students explore the impacts of concentrated development and sprawl on water quality and land use. The concept of a watershed is introduced, along with information on basins and tributaries and the impacts of growth and nitrogen loading. The students are able to develop a plan to reduce nitrogen runoff to a targeted level. Several handouts and maps are included. Full description.

The site focuses on the responses of Antarctica and its sea ice to climate changes. Two experiments help illustrate what happens as water warms and how this warming could affect sea levels and low-lying coastal areas. Links to more detailed information are also provided. Full description.

This set of slides shows imagery of clouds as seen from above, in space, by various satellites and space shuttle missions. Each slide is accompanied by a brief caption describing the feature being shown and the satellite or shuttle mission from which the photo was taken. The slides are available as downloadable high-resolution TIF files, or they can be purchased from Lunar and Planetary Institiute's ... Full description.

A phase diagram shows the preferred physical states of matter at different temperatures and pressures. This phase diagram shows these states for water. Critical points, triple points, and ice phase processes are defined and illustrated as a function of pressure and temperature. The diagram is accompanied by a set of tables that give detailed thermodynamic data for the triple points and structural/crystallographic ... Full description.

Visitors can study this account of the calving of the Larsen ice shelf and the disintegration of the ice shelf around James Ross Island that occured in Austral Summer of 1994-95. The account is in chronolgical order and is accompanied by photographs. Follow-up examinations from 1996-2002 and links to related material are provided. Full description.

This article describes ice worms (Mesenchytraeus solifugus) that live on glaciers in southern Alaska, the Coastal range and British Columbia, and in the Olympics and North Cascades as far south as Mt. St. Helens. Pictures of the ice worms and information on their habitat, physiolology, diet, and behavior are provided. Full description.

This portal, published by the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (IFAS) Extension, offers a selection of links to information about water management issues. There is a 'Beginner's Guide to Water Management', which provides a basic introduction to the terminology and concepts used in water management. Other links access information on management in coastal waters, the ... Full description.

This educator?s guide features three curriculum enhancement activities and one scientific literacy activity, extensive background information, assessment rubrics, student worksheets, extension and transfer activities, and detailed information about the physical science and mathematics content standards. An electronic version of one of the activities is also available that uses a spreadsheet and image ... Full description.