How to Conduct Research at Amundsen-Scott Station
Welcome to Amundsen-Scott Station. At this research station, you will collect, record, and analyze data on the average annual temperature at various locations in Antarctica since 1960. You will also listen to geographers as they debate what this information tells us about global warming.
Studying Temperatures in Antarctica
The impact of global warming on Antarctica could be dramatic. Warmer temperatures could cause glaciers and ice shelves to melt. If the area covered by ice shrinks, less energy from the sun would be reflected back into space. Temperatures would then rise even more.
To find out if such changes are likely, scientists gather data on air temperatures in many parts of Antarctica. They compare that data to records from recent years, noting any trends. Researchers also collect information about Antarctica's climate from thousands of years ago. The snow that falls here each year doesn't melt. Instead, it piles up in layers. The layers are thicker in wet years and thinner in dry ones.
Researchers drill deep into glaciers to take out cores of ice. An ice core looks like a very long pole with thin cross stripes. Each stripe, or layer, represents a year's snowfall. By examining the cores, researchers can learn what the climate was like when each layer of snow fell. They can determine how much precipitation fell and what temperatures were like for that year. The deeper they drill, the farther back in time they can look.
Follow these steps:
1. Carefully inspect the five thermometers. They show the average annual temperature at this research station from 1960 to 2000. Note that these
temperatures are in negative degrees.
2. Record this temperature information in the blank graph in your Reading Notes.
3. Analyze all four temperature graphs in your Reading Notes. With your partner, discuss whether you think they support the theory of global warming, cast doubt on the theory, or could be evidence for both sides of the debate. Record your conclusion and explanation in the comments section of the "Amundsen-Scott Station" blog in this website. (be sure to include your names with your comments)
4. Read the Dialogue Between Geographers at Amundsen-Scott Station aloud. One of you should read the part of the geographer who supports
the theory of global warming. The other should read the part of the geographer who doubts it.
5. Based on the dialogue, write arguments in the comments section of the "Amundsen-Scott Station" blog that a supporter and a doubter of the global warming theory might make. (be sure to include your names with your comments)
Studying Temperatures in Antarctica
The impact of global warming on Antarctica could be dramatic. Warmer temperatures could cause glaciers and ice shelves to melt. If the area covered by ice shrinks, less energy from the sun would be reflected back into space. Temperatures would then rise even more.
To find out if such changes are likely, scientists gather data on air temperatures in many parts of Antarctica. They compare that data to records from recent years, noting any trends. Researchers also collect information about Antarctica's climate from thousands of years ago. The snow that falls here each year doesn't melt. Instead, it piles up in layers. The layers are thicker in wet years and thinner in dry ones.
Researchers drill deep into glaciers to take out cores of ice. An ice core looks like a very long pole with thin cross stripes. Each stripe, or layer, represents a year's snowfall. By examining the cores, researchers can learn what the climate was like when each layer of snow fell. They can determine how much precipitation fell and what temperatures were like for that year. The deeper they drill, the farther back in time they can look.
Follow these steps:
1. Carefully inspect the five thermometers. They show the average annual temperature at this research station from 1960 to 2000. Note that these
temperatures are in negative degrees.
2. Record this temperature information in the blank graph in your Reading Notes.
3. Analyze all four temperature graphs in your Reading Notes. With your partner, discuss whether you think they support the theory of global warming, cast doubt on the theory, or could be evidence for both sides of the debate. Record your conclusion and explanation in the comments section of the "Amundsen-Scott Station" blog in this website. (be sure to include your names with your comments)
4. Read the Dialogue Between Geographers at Amundsen-Scott Station aloud. One of you should read the part of the geographer who supports
the theory of global warming. The other should read the part of the geographer who doubts it.
5. Based on the dialogue, write arguments in the comments section of the "Amundsen-Scott Station" blog that a supporter and a doubter of the global warming theory might make. (be sure to include your names with your comments)