Satellite imagery gives students, teachers, and professional researchers access to lots of information to analyze and interpret. Through timelapses of satellite imagery students can see how landscapes and seascapes change over time. Some timelapses of satellite imagery can be found in Google Earth. The National Snow & Ice Data Center at the University of Colorado Boulder also offers some excellent timelapses based on satellite observations.
Satellite Observations of Arctic Change is a set of eight timelapse maps. Each of the maps shows representations of changes based on information collected via satellite imagery. The maps included in the set are:
- Frozen Ground
- Sea Ice
- Sea Ice Average
- Water Vapor
- Snow Cover
- Vegetation
- Near-surface Air Temperatures
- Annual Minimum Exposed Snow and Ice
Applications for Education
Satellite Observations of Arctic Change could be a useful set of maps to use in a lesson on climate change. The maps alone don’t explain what caused changes. The assignment for students to complete is to research the factors contributing to the changes.
H/T to Maps Mania.
