2. Collect meteorological data from the ISMCS program.

Evaluation: Each individual will be graded on:

1. the quality of your product. (25 points)

2. a peer/self evaluation form that each group uses to assess your contribution to the group. (15 points)

3. A summary quiz that covers the basics of each presentation. You may use your notes on the quiz. (About 30 points)

Temperature vs. Latitude: Latitude is defined as distance in degrees north or south of the Equator. Because of the earth’s spherical shape, the angle of the sun’s rays and the length of daylight are different for different latitudes at any given moment. Because of the earth’s revolution around the sun, these two factors, (angle of the rays and length of daylight) constantly change through the year. To reveal the effects compare 4 cities.

Temperature vs. Elevation: The higher air pressure at low elevations results from more air molecules existing closer together. They have more collisions with one another. Therefore the average temperature is higher at lower elevations.

The marine influence on local temperature: A marine climate is strikingly different that what could be called a continental climate. Compare the monthly temperatures of cities that reveal the influence of the ocean. Notice when the warmest months are for both climates. If there is a difference, why?

Effects of boundary currents on local temperature (cold vs. warm boundary currents): Marine climates are distinctly different than continental climates. However, the temperature of a coastal boundary current, and prevailing winds make marine climates vary as well. Compare two or more cities that reveal the climatic effects of the temperatures of coastal boundary currents.

Effects of mountains on rainfall (the rain shadow): As moist coastal air encounters a coastal mountain range the air is forced to lift. As the air lifts, it cools. As a result, its ability to hold water diminishes, and therefore it rains. When the air continues over the mountains it is drier. The desert on the leeward side of a mountain range is refereed to as a rain shadow. Compare three cities to reveal the nature of a rain shadow.

Rainfall vs. Latitude in the tropics. Air lifts in equatorial regions due to intense heat. As it lifts, it cools and forms rain clouds. This occurs in an area called the doldrums belt. It is characterized by high rainfall. At high altitudes the air drifts poleward and eventually descends as cool dry air. This occurs at about 30 N and S of the equator. This is known as the horse latitudes. This phenomenon causes the distribution of rain forests and deserts. In between the horse latitudes and the doldrums is where the trade winds blow. They come from the east. As the sun’s rays shift during the year, the doldrums, trades, and horse latitudes also shift north and south with the sun. Places close to the Equator may be in the wet doldrums all year. Places 25 to 30 degrees from the Equator may be in the dry trades and horse latitudes all year. Places in between may be in both doldrums and trades as the wind belts shift, thus having both wet and dry seasons. Chose four cities that reveal the effects of these phenomena.

Prevailing winds and rainfall on coastal regions. Marine climates are distinctly different than continental climates. However, the temperature of a coastal boundary current, and prevailing winds make marine climates vary as well. Compare two or more cities that reveal the climatic effects of prevailing winds.

The lake effect (snowfall in the great lakes regions): The great lakes experience a lot of snowfall due to what is known as the lake effect. As winds travel over the lake, water is picked up and deposited on land as snow. The natural distribution of snow varies due to the prevailing winds. Compare two or more cities that reveal the lake effect and the influence of prevailing winds.

Urbanization and rainfall: Hot air rises. When wet air rises and cools it forms clouds and rains. A mountain may be a natural barrier that will push air up to high altitudes, causing rain forests and rain shadows (see rain shadow paragraph). A modern city may do the same thing. Are there rain shadows leeward of major cities. Compare over time the effects of urbanization on rainfall.

The El Nino phenomena: Global climatic patters are generally regular. However, periodically the patterns are interrupted by a phenomena know as El Nino. Your topic will require a little research. Read the material provided for your background. Compare the usual climate of an area to that climate during an El Nino event. Chose a city that is especially effected by the event.

Global Warming: There is great concern that our planets average annual temperature has been increasing in recent decades. Explore the possible causes and effects of this phenomena using resources provided. Chose a few cities that may have long term records on annual temperature. Is global warming detectable in the data?