The History Cat
The History Cat: Geography Phenomenon: Hurricanes
Describes how ocean currents affect climates around the world and the impact of the Gulf Stream, which can cause hurricanes to form. The role of wind patterns in the Caribbean is also discussed.
Center for Educational Technologies
Nasa: Classroom of the Future: Spheres: Hydrosphere
Use this site to learn about the millions and trillions of gallons of water that covers the earth, known as the hydrosphere.
NOAA
Noaa: Weather Systems and Patterns
Imagine our weather if Earth were completely motionless, had a flat dry landscape and an un-tilted axis. This, of course, is not the case; if it were, the weather would be much different. The local weather that impacts our daily lives...
Libre Text
Libre Text: Ekman Spiral and Transports
This article defines the basis of wind-driven circulation, including the Ekman spiral and transports.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Australian Broadcasting Corporation: News in Science: Churning Sea Surprises Ocean Watchers
From ABC News in Science, this article examines the role that ocean currents play in global warming and climate issues. The article covers the impact of the Antarctic circumpolar current and its affect on surrounding oceans.
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Ucar: Climate Discovery Teacher's Guide: Investigating Climate Present
Lesson plans on the following: Carbon cycle: Carbon Dioxide Sources and Sinks, Nitrogen Cycle: Traveling Nitrogen, Ocean and Atmosphere: Make Convection Currents, Energy Cycle: Albedo
NASA
Nasa: El Nino
A concise explanation of El Nino. Discusses global wind patterns and ocean temperatures. Offers interactive weather-related learning activities.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Engineering for the Earth
Young students are introduced to the complex systems of the Earth through numerous lessons on its natural resources, processes, weather, climate and landforms. Key earth science topics include rocks, soils and minerals, water and natural...
NOAA
Noaa: Pmel: El Nino Theme Page
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) sponsors this El Nino and La Nina resource site that features current and historic information about these weather systems with diagrams.
Other
National Pollutant Inventory: Background Information
This site focuses on water and air pollution in Australia, with a brief mention of sea breezes.
Rice University
Rice University: Museums Teaching Planet Earth: What Is the Hydrosphere?
Focus is on the hydrosphere and contains the definition as well as characteristics of the ocean and the effect of the ocean on climate.
Climate Literacy
Clean: What Happens to Ice in Water?
Students investigate the properties of water in the ice and liquid phase as it relates to convection in the ocean and density driven circulation, and ultimately the climate.
National Weather Service
National Weather Service
Official United States Weather Bureau source for weather maps and forecasts. Contains forecasts, maps, warnings, data, current conditions, and storm warnings.
Cosmo Learning
Cosmo Learning: Blue Planet: Introduction to Oceanography
A collection of video lectures from an introduction to oceanography course taught at the University of California, Los Angeles. The course gives a general introduction to the processes and history of Earth's global oceanic system in...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Lab 2: Earth's Frozen Oceans
A lab experiment in a series of experiments that investigates climate and the cryosphere. In this particular lab, students explore how sea ice forms, how sea ice thickness changes over time, and how sea ice can affect ocean currents...
NOAA
Noaa: Pmel: Noaa: What Is La Nina?
At this site from the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, you can find out the characteristics of La Nina. You can find out about the lastest La Nina and the places it effected. Links are provided for additional information.
Curated OER
Ocean
Discover more about the underocean environment at this site that surveys animals, environmental factors such as light and temperature, currents, animals, plants, and the like.
Curated OER
Coral Reef
Discover more about the underocean environment at this site that surveys animals, environmental factors such as light and temperature, currents, animals, plants, and the like.
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: Europe (Physical), 1868
A map from 1868 of Europe, showing the physical features, climate, and commercial resources of the region. Mountain chains are represented by lines of varying thickness, with the broader the line, the greater the elevation. The highest...