The Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program is an important part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) strategy to understand global climate change. The ARM Program has established three outdoor research sites around the world. Scientists gather and use the data from these sites to study the effects of sunlight, radiant energy, and clouds on temperatures, weather, and climate. This site ... Full description.

These illustrations and accompanying descriptions outline the basic concepts of groundwater aquifers. Users may learn definitions of basic terms (aquifer, confined, unconfined, water table) and see how the properties and orientations of rock layers act to accumulate water, which can then flow out or be pumped out by a well. Full description.

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.

Flowing water from rivers and streams is a valuable and plentiful energy resource that people learned to use centuries ago to operate the machinery that was important to their livelihoods. This page features diagrams (some animated) that show the three main principles of water; various types of water wheels; and the modern hydroelectric turbine. There are also animations of various types of mills ... Full description.

In the Clouds Photography specializes in photos of weather skyscapes taken by a photographer who is also an atmospheric scientist. Spectacular images of tornadoes, lightning, supercells, and other related severe weather are available, as are weather photos of a less severe nature;strange cloud forms and optical phenomenon such as rainbows, halos, and glories. Weather-related photos are a specialty ... Full description.

Estuaries have physical traits, and scientists use a variety of measurements such as water depth, salinity, and current speed to describe an estuary. This site describes the various measurements that make up the physical properties of an estuary, using Narragansett Bay as an example. Specific sections of this site focus on water chemistry (temperature, salinity, oxygen, chlorophyll a, and pH), circulation ... Full description.

In this activity, students construct their own wetlands using gallon-sized plastic containers, soils, plants, and other materials. One container will have constant drainage while the other maintains well-saturated soil. Students observe both containers over a two-week period and record daily observations of different parameters, including soil pH. The activity helps students develop an understanding ... Full description.

Ocean chemistry, particularly the carbon cycle, is featured in text and illustrations, with quantitative graphics and a lab demonstration. Graphics include the global carbon cycle from 1980-1989, annual carbon dioxide flux, ocean chlorophyll concentration east of Buenos Aires, and a cartoon showing upwelling of nutrients. Full description.

In this lesson, students explore the use of storm-tracking technologies, research how natural disasters are predicted, and assess the importance of these technologies. A case study of a New England snow storm and its impacts is presented for discussion, along with suggestions for retrieving information about forecasts as well as links to weather prediction and warning sites. Full description.

BASINS is a multipurpose environmental analysis system for use by regional, state, and local agencies in performing watershed and water quality based studies. This new software makes it possible to quickly assess large amounts of point source and nonpoint source data in a format that is easy to use and understand. Installed on a personal computer, BASINS allows the user to assess water quality at ... Full description.