Data Analysis - Albedo

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Data Analysis - Albedo

Data Analysis - Albedo
The Data Analysis section is intended to encourage students to practice describing and interpreting patterns in spatial data.

This activity contains 6 questions.

For this section, you will be reviewing and analyzing albedo data for the Earth/Atmosphere system. The data represents the sum of reflected solar radiation from the atmosphere, clouds, and land and sea surfaces, measured at the top of the atmosphere! All of the images were acquired by the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) sensor aboard NASA's Terra satellite. [source]

The data is configured as a scrolling movie of monthly maps from March 2000 through August 2002. You can either left click the link provided (it will open in a separate browser window) or you can right click and select "Save Target As" to save it on your computer and open it locally. You should use free Quicktime software to view this with optimal flexibility.

This is the color key to the maps.

After you become familiar with how to view this movie, stop it at March 2000. March will roughly show Earth's average pattern, because the March Equinox is a time of energy balance between the hemispheres.

Now, describe the general pattern of reflected sunlight, and make sure to use approximate latitude values in your answer. Can you make out a light green band, especially along low latitudes over the oceans? What might this be? (Hint: Think of what surfaces in the Earth Atmosphere system might have high reflective qualities.)

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.

Now, begin advancing the frames one month at a time. You can do this by either clicking and dragging the slider button OR by clicking the single frame advance button. (Experiment a bit -- you'll get it.) What begins to happen as you approach June 2000? Describe (don't try to explain yet) the pattern in both hemispheres. Now, using the concepts of declination, sun angle, and hours of sunlight, explain the pattern you observed.

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.

Remain on June 2000. What northern hemisphere location obviously stands out? Why is this?

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.

Now, continue advancing the frames one month at a time. What begins to happen as you approach December 2000? Briefly describe and explain the changing pattern -- you may make reference to a previous answer if it is helpful.

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.

Watch the movie through a few times. You should notice a latitudinal banding pattern of slightly higher albedos. Describe it if you haven't already. What is causing these reflective bands? (Hint: Review albedo and solar input to refresh your memory. What contributes most, by far, to Earth's 31% average albedo?)

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.

Based on what you have observed and discovered, what natural or human activities could significantly alter (increase OR decrease) Earth's albedo?

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.

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