Globetrotter is a web interface to the National Geospatial Digital Archive (NGDA) project powered by the Alexandria Digital Library (ADL). A Google Maps-based Web client, Globetrotter enables a user to perform spatial searches on spatial data. The user can tune his or her search by adjusting a number of different constraints. Full description.

TerraViva! Spinning Earth is a 3-D simulation of the earth in rotation. The program includes a dynamic visualization of nighttime as it moves around the planet, and the following thematic map wrap-arounds: political boundaries, elevation and depth, population density, and land cover. This spinning globe visualization can be manipulated through user controls for zooming in and out; viewing active, ... Full description.

This Why Files feature posted November 6, 1997 explains some of the tools employed by the climatologist, and how they are used to measure climate or look back in time to see what climate was like long ago. How do scientists forecast what might be in store for the planet? Topics include how scientists take the Earth's temperature and use computer-based climate models, ice cores from remote glaciers ... Full description.

This article is a Why Files report on the increase in "natural" disasters from floods, probably the most destructive type of natural disaster. The article notes that in constant dollars, the cost in 1998 alone exceeded the economic toll of the entire decade of the 1980s. Evidence is cited that inundations reflect human action rather than simply rainfall amounts. The report covers: furious floods (including ... Full description.

This Why Files article investigates trading, sources, and use of metal by Arctic peoples. Until recently, metal was seldom found at Arctic archeological digs. In 1994, a group of scientists found many iron and copper objects by simply using a metal detector. By analyzing isotopes, scientists were able to show that both iron and copper came from few sources that were traded widely. Starting around ... Full description.

This site contains Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area information, including geology, maps, photographs, visitor information, and links for additional facts about this area of Wyoming and Montana. Included are details about the geologic history of the area, formations, the Pryar and Bighorn Mountains, and the exploration history of the land. Full description.

Navajo National Monument is located on the Colorado Plateau in Arizona. Information on this site focuses on the Native American history of the area, including details about Keet Seel, an Anasazi village built in a sandstone cliff alcove. Other resources include visitor information, maps, and links to additional facts. Full description.

This National Park Service (NPS) site provides links to geolgy field notes about National Parks, National Monuments, and National Recreation Areas having to do with geology and human use (such as mining). Information includes geology, photographs, multimedia tools, park maps, visitor information, geologic research, and additional links. Parks covered include Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park, ... Full description.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) provides information on almost 2 million physical and cultural geographical features in the United States. The U.S., its territories, and Antarctica are searchable by name, location (state or territory), topographic map name, elevation, population, and feature type. Information about the location, including latitude and longitude, and links to maps of the ... Full description.

This resource for teachers and parents highlights activities and ideas to help younger children understand geographic principles. These include the use of maps and directions to find locations, climate, near vs. far, physical regions, and cultural regions. Activities are hands-on and interactive. Further reading and resources are also given. Full description.