This page describes El Nino and the Southern Oscillation and how they may contribute to severe weather and the destruction of sensitive ecosystems such as coral reefs. It features text, pictures, scientific illustrations, and links to satellite information and weather-related science activities. Full description.

Watersheds are those land areas that catch rain or snow and drain to specific marshes, streams, rivers, lakes, or to ground water. This site allows users to locate their watershed by city, county, state, or region. Links provide information about stream flow, water use, conservation efforts, demographics, forest riparian habitats, science in your watershed, water discharges, and assessment of watershed ... Full description.

In this activity, students construct a model of the seafloor, prepare profiles, and learn how ocean depth is measured. A materials list, instructions, engagement and explanatory information, and a vocabulary list are included. Full description.

This illustration from an online textbook features a map showing the major ocean currents of the world. A set of links provides access to a study guide with glossary and test questions, additional readings, and links to related sites. Full description.

Materials presented here describe how the Ekman theory of wind-driven circulation in ocean basins was confirmed by measurements made in the Atlantic Ocean and the Arabian Sea. References and links to related sites are included. Full description.

From 1984 to 1991, the USGS conducted the first systematic mapping of an Exclusive Economic Zone on the sea floor of the Continental Shelf. Materials presented here detail the history of these activities and describe how evolving technology has allowed faster, more economical, and more efficient seafloor mapping. Topics include mapping history, current activities, and a discussion of high-resolution ... Full description.

Materials presented here describe how new data from surveys, satellite imagery, and buoys have led to a revised view of the nature of the coastal upwelling that occurs seasonally off the coast of California. Includes references and links to related sites. Full description.

Users may learn about ocean currents and the role the oceans play in storing heat and influencing global climate. A special introductory section for teachers provides background information and links to classroom activities using the constructivist approach that demonstrate the mechanisms that drive the Gulf Stream, the Mediterranean Outflow, and the Great Ocean Conveyor Belt. For students, an interactive ... Full description.

Visitors can use sea surface temperature data to build animations that show seasonal and yearly fluctuations, and compare them to data from other selected months and years. The animations can be constructed in map or globe formats and may be viewed on the website or downloaded. Full description.

This document provides a brief description of the major currents and general circulation patterns of the world's oceans. Links to animations showing satellite imagery of ocean-surface topography and temperature are included. Links to references are embedded in the text. Full description.