The AOML researches oceanography, tropical meteorology, atmospheric and oceanic chemistry and acoustics in order to understand the physical characteristics of the ocean and atmosphere. Explore science in action!
Provides large colorful maps of climate data about each continent for the current week, month, or previous quarter.
The National Geophysical Data Center has transformed extensive ocean research into colorful video, 3D maps, charts posters and more! This site starts off with a film clip of a dive into the Marianas trench and then lead you to other useful images and sites dealing with many aspects of the ocean floor. A great resource for visual learners!
Links to earth science sites, including safety tips, fun activities, general earth science information, and daily weather reports and more.
California's China Camp State Park is an important environmental and historic site which has a natural watershed along the shores of San Francisco Bay. Features in the estuary include an extensive intertidal salt marsh, meadow, and oak habitat. [4:55]
A quick overview of how a combined sewer overflow system works, and why heavy rains can be bad for estuaries. [1:42]
Follow this group of students through their scavenger hunt in the estuary. Take a look at the living and nonliving things that make this ecosystem a special place. [9:38]
Young students learn about plankton (in particular phytoplankton) and why it is vital to life on this planet. [9:59]
The estuary stands as the last barrier between the Pacific Ocean and pollution. Its mix of plants and silt acts as a filter that purifies contaminated inland rain and flood waters before they reach the ocean. [3:47]
Produced by the Association of National Estuary Programs as a fun explanation of what estuaries are and why they are important. [7:23]
Learn about the SWMP Program (System Wide Monitoring Program) and see how high-tech underwater equipment helps keep track of conditions in the estuary at all times. [8:25]
Students measure water quality in the NY-NJ Estuary using simple tools. Scientists explain the importance of good water quality and talk about what causes water quality declines. [5:44]
Eelgrass is one of the most important indicator plants in the estuary. Learn about how the health of this plant is often a measure of the health of the ecosystem. Also includes a look at how septic systems impact estuary plants. [7:22]
This resource page contains an exhaustive list of pictures and videos of sea floor structures found all over the world.
A great resource for explaining and understanding tides. Find out what tides are and why it is so important to monitor them. This is an extensive tutorial followed by a set of review questions. All of the information can be downloaded as a 36-page PDF file.
NeMO is a seafloor observatory at an active underwater volcano! NeMO "background" is a great place to begin your scientific journey under the sea. Site includes virtual tours, daily updates from the sea, teacher resources and more.
Explains what eutrophication is and the extent of the problem in the United States. Discusses the causes, impact, and what can be done to combat it. The video provides a short overview of the topic and is accompanied by a transcript. [1:04]
This site provides an excellent explanation of the nature of tides and how they are formed. The one shortcoming is the use of the fictional "centrifugal force", but this is commonly misused in literature.
This page tells you what El Nino is, provides links to animations and videos on El Nino, explains how to recognize El Nino, and discusses the history of significant El Nino events.
This site offers definitions of the many and varied terms used to describe tides and currents.