Changing Planet: Fresh Water in the Arctic
http://www.nbclearn.com/changingplanet/cuecard/52043
http://www.nbclearn.com/changingplanet/cuecard/52043
NBC Learn, NESTA - Windows to the Universe
Video length 5:18 min.
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Topics
Grade Level
Regional Focus
Climate Literacy
About Teaching Climate Literacy
2b 
2bCovering 70% of Earth's surface, the ocean exerts a major control on climate by dominating Earth's energy and water cycles. It has the capacity to absorb large amounts of solar energy. Heat and water vapor are redistributed globally through density-driven ocean currents and atmospheric circulation. Changes in ocean circulation caused by tectonic movements or large influxes of fresh water from melting polar ice can lead to significant and even abrupt changes in climate, both locally and on global scales.
Other materials addressing 2b
mate is regulated by complex interactions among components of the Earth system
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mate change will have consequences for the Earth system and human lives
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Benchmarks for Science Literacy
Learn more about the Benchmarks
Thermal energy carried by ocean currents has a strong influence on climates around the world. Areas near oceans tend to have more moderate temperatures than they would if they were farther inland but at the same latitude because water in the oceans can hold a large amount of thermal energy.
Transfer of thermal energy between the atmosphere and the land or oceans produces temperature gradients in the atmosphere and the oceans. Regions at different temperatures rise or sink or mix, resulting in winds and ocean currents. These winds and ocean currents, which are also affected by the earth's rotation and the shape of the land, carry thermal energy from warm to cool areas.
Notes From Our Reviewers
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Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy |
Technical Details
Teaching Tips
- May be embedded into a presentation and/or used with associated lesson plan: http://www.windows2universe.org/teacher_resources/leaky_gyre.html
About the Science
- This video examines the impacts of fresh water flowing into the Arctic Ocean from ice and rivers on thermohaline circulation using advanced, specifically-designed engineering.
- Scientists profiled are from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and other research institutes.
- Good background information and references given in the accompanying lesson plan: http://www.windows2universe.org/teacher_resources/leaky_gyre.html.
- Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
About the Pedagogy
- The video outlines the issues of fresh water flowing into the Arctic Sea and the challenges that scientists face collecting data there.
- Teachers should be aware (and pass on to students) that climate change will have different impacts in different parts of the world and that it won't be "warming" everywhere.
Technical Details/Ease of Use
- Video quality is not ideal; video may be pixelated at larger viewing sizes.
Related URLs These related sites were noted by our reviewers but have not been reviewed by CLEAN
Accompanying lesson plan with activities "The Case of the Leaky Gyre" - http://www.windows2universe.org/teacher_resources/leaky_gyre.htmlHave you used these materials with your students? Do you have insights to share with other educators about their use? Please share with the community by adding a comment below.
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