This site explores the plant and animal communities that exist within an estuary. Specifically, it examines the planktonic, pelagic, benthic and intertidal communities, and focuses on organisms that are characteristic of the community, how scientists investigate these organisms, and why such organisms are important to the biological community of estuaries. Additionally, the site provides specific ... Full description.

This page presents a narrative history of the Colorado River Compact, which has provided the management framework for this natural resource since 1922. Full description.

This site contains information about snow, glaciers, permafrost, sea ice and cryospheric trends. The cryosphere is the portion of the Earth's surface where water is in a solid form, usually snow or ice. Seasonal snow cover, the largest component of the cryosphere, covers up to 33 percent of the Earth's total land surface. Glaciers and ice sheets cover about 10 percent of the Earth's land area. Nearly ... Full description.

This NASA Module investigation compares and contrasts physical processes that occur on Both Earth and Mars. Students are given unidentified images of Earth and Mars. Their task is to arrange the images into pairs that show evidence of similar physical processes. Then they identify each image as one of Earth or of Mars by comparing and contrasting physical features that they observe in the image pairs. ... Full description.

This site contains an extensive list of frequently asked questions and short answers regarding the characteristics of icebergs. In addition, there are links to detailed descriptions of the six main types of icebergs, other interesting facts about icebergs, and photographs of Newfoundland icebergs. Full description.

The International Ice Patrol is a branch of the United States Coast Guard. They monitor iceberg danger near the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, and provide the limits of all known ice to the maritime community. This kids page provides an illustrated story of the life cycle of icebergs, as well as a list of questions and answers about icebergs in general. There is also a set of links to other sites that ... Full description.

This site was created by a group of fourteen students as a combined project between Utah State University's "Academic Adventures" and the Mount Logan Middle School "Celebrate Youth" Program as part of a class called "Take-it-Outside." It provides a good overview of wetlands at a level that is appropriate for young people and the general public. Individual sections cover types of wetlands, habitats, ... Full description.

It is a miracle that life can survive in the extreme conditions of the desert. Users can learn about mammals (including wolves), insects and spiders, fish and birds(including hawks), and reptiles and amphibians (including rattlesnakes) that have adapted and, in fact, thrive in the harsh desert ecosystems. Links to related topics such as animal survival in the desert and animal rescues are included. ... Full description.

Desert plants have adapted to the extremes of heat and aridity by using both physical and behavioral mechanisms, much like desert animals. The ingenuity and variety of these many adaptations are explored in a set of links to wildflowers, cacti and succulents, trees, shrubs, and grasses. Links to related topics such as desert plant survival, wildflower articles, and others are also included. Full description.

This article discusses the importance of water in supporting and sustaining life and focuses on why water, and solely in its liquid form, is so essential. The focus here is on the potential presence of water on Mars. Some of the physical and chemical properties of water are summarized, and their uniqueness is presented as the reason planetary scientists are on the lookout for water on Mars and elsewhere ... Full description.