Students can study the development of hurricanes as they evolve through a life cycle from a cluster of thunderstorms to a tropical depression to a tropical storm and then to a full-fledged hurricane. The characteristic atmospheric pressures at each stage of development are presented, and images of each stage are included. Links to more detailed information are embedded in the text. Full description.

This document outlines the development of the theory of contintental drift and how many lines of evidence collected over several decades by various researchers were brought together to explain how the seafloor spreads and the continents move about. Links to additional information are included. Full description.

This document discusses the use of LIDAR (Laser Infrared Detection and Ranging) to detect and map water vapor in the atmosphere. Topics include research objectives, the use of airborne and space platforms, the configuration and capabilities of the instrument, and future programs. Links to LASE image files and experiment results are included. Full description.

This training module was designed to help the user identify and grasp basic concepts associated with space travel and deep space missions. Separate sections deal with topics such as the physical environment of space (solar system, gravity, orbital mechanics), flight projects (mission concepts, system requirements, design, onboard systems and instruments), and flight operations (launch, cruise, encounter). ... Full description.

This tutorial provides a basic discussion about crystallography. Text and diagrams explain how crystals are measured, classified, and described, and point out that minerals can be identified by their crystal shapes and growth habits. Full description.

This site discusses the loss of ice from the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, which has been observed for the last thirty years. Topics include why, when, and how much ice was lost by the ice sheet since the last glacial maximum, and whether the ice sheet was ever smaller than it is today. Full description.

This is the home page for a set of articles on the Earth's magnetosphere and other phenomena related to charged particles and magnetic fields. This page features an index consisting of summary files on such topics as magnetism, electrons, ions, plasmas, radiation belts, the sun and solar wind, the magnetosphere, and auroras. Following the summaries are links to detailed articles on each topic. Each ... Full description.

This tutorial introduces students to the concepts of electromagnetic waves, wavelength, and the electromagnetic spectrum. Diagrams and written descriptions explain how wavelength is measured and explore the traditional divisions of the spectrum: radio, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. Full description.

The study of clouds (where they occur, their characteristics, etc) plays a key role in the understanding of climate change. This site discusses how the relative thickness and altitude of various cloud types result in their either reflecting solar radiation or transmitting and trapping it, thereby warming Earth's surface. It features text, a scientific illustration, and links to other relevant topics ... Full description.

This site provides general information on hurricanes, including how they form, where and when conditions favorable to hurricane formation exist, how wind speeds are classified, and what conditions cause hurricanes to diminish and decay. It features text, scientific illusrations, and links to related topics in other parts of the Earth Observatory website. Full description.