These links came from
'Trends in Earth Science: Earth Sciences. (Hutchison, Helicon Publishing 2001)
General Indexes - Earth sciences
Adventures in the learning Web
Huge range of online educational geological resources, including sections on 'Finding your way with map and compass',Monitoring active volcanoes', and 'This dynamic Earth' * The site is run by the US Geological Survey, so some of the material is US-specific. However, a whole host of more general earth science topics are covered on this site in clear, well illustrated sections. This site is regularly updated with information on any natural disasters as and when they happen
Site of the UK's national centre for earth science information and its foremost supplier of geoscience solutions. It acquires and maintains upto-date knowledge of the UK and its continental shelf by means of systematic geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrogeological, and geotechnical surveys underpinned by high quality research.
Everything you ever wanted to know about planet Earth can be found at this site, which contains a table of statistics, photographs taken from space, radar-generated images of the planet, animations of the Earth rotating, and more.
Yahoo! directory of earth science, which provides links to hundreds of earth science sites, organized by discipline, and increasing in number every day.
Earths Seasons: Equinoxes, Solstices, Perihelion, and Aphellon
Part of a larger site on astronomical data maintained by the US Naval Observatory, this site gives the dates and hours (in Universal Time) of the changing of the seasons from 1992 through to 2005. It also includes sections of 'Frequently Asked Questions' and research information.
Excellent site, designed for travellers but containing a vast amount of information on countries all over the world. Five regional sections are accompanied by special features on selected locations. The text is supplemented by pictures, videos, and audio clips.
Extensive geographical resource, which includes outline maps in GIF format, and geographical photographs, both of which are freely available to download. There is also a guide to writing coursework and essays.
Comprehensive information on geology featuring a daily update on current geologic events, virtual classroom tours, and virtual field trips to locations around the world. You will also find an in-depth look at a featured event, geologic news and reports, an image gallery, glossary, maps, and an area for asking geology professors your most perplexing questions, plus a list of references and links.
This site takes you on a journey to seven of the most geographically dynamic locations on Earth. It features stylish presentation with extensive pictures and cultural commentary
ThinkQuest project, particularly aimed at young people. This well organized site is a guide to 'what's beneath the Earth's crust and all about plate tectonics'.
Primary Geography Page A site of links to pages providing resources, including the author's own software, for teachers and pupils of Key Stages 1 and 2 geography.
The Terrarum bills itself as a resource on.physical geography, but its emphasis on the relationships between the various forces such as energy, tectonics and climate brings in information on many areas of earth science. It would be a useful source for GCSE geographers, although the child-friendly language gives it the appearance of being designed for younger students.
Mine of information for both geographers and non- specialists, including events organized by the Royal Geographical Society, online exhibitions, field expeditions and research projects, publications, and links to other geographical organizations.
Latest news on space exploration plus space quizzes, games, and other fun stuff. The site also includes a childreds site with activities
US Geological Survey (USGS) site includes information on almost every aspect of earth science you can think of. It is well-organized and contains a useful search engine to make finding things very easy.
USGS Earthshots. Satellite Images of Environmental Change
See how Earths environment is changing by accessing this fascinating collection of satellite pictures from the US Geological Survey (USGS). Start by clicking on a highlighted area on a world map to go to a series of detailed comparative images, or select from a huge collection of articles on subjects such as geology, water, and wildlife.
Everything you need to know about amber is here. There is information on its physical properties, uses, and geological and geographical occurrences, plus fossils in amber, recovery methods, amber myths, museums, and a quiz.
Large and lavishly illustrated Web site. Features include the Map Machine Atlas, which allows you to find maps, flags, facts, and profiles for the countries of the world, and discussion forums on a variety of subjects. Many articles and multimedia items can be accessed for free.
Alternative energy
Part of an electronic teacher's guide 'Teaching for a Sustainable World: International Edition', this site also contains useful information for individual students.
The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse (EREC) invites you to submit a question on 'energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies'.
Quick guide to this renewable energy source. Taken from a series of fact sheets published by the Solar Energy Society, this page explains concepts such as solar water heating, photovoltaics, and passive solar architecture. Find out why solar power works better in Scotland than the South of France.
Environment, population, biodiversity and sustainability
Learning modules on environment-related earth science topics. Issues covered include biodiversity, land use, global warming, and water pollution. Information pages are accompanied by interactive learning activities.
Missouri Botanical Garden guide to tropical rainforests covering issues such as 'Are all tropical forests, rain forests?' ' 'Effects of elevation on climate and vegetation', and 'Causes of destruction'.
Facing The Future: People and the Planet
Guide to population issues, aimed at young people. The site tackles issues such as 'How many people can the Earth support?' and covers both personal and global solutions.
Examination of the unique ecosystem of the isolated archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, off the northeastern coast of Brazil. With dozens of colourful photographs, this site provides an informative insight into the islands and their history and includes a photo gallery of some of the flora and fauna. There are also details on how to get there and where to stay.
Introduction to Environmental Education
Part of an electronic teacher's guide 'Teaching for a Sustainable World: International Edition', this site also contains useful information for individual students.
Introduction to the Ecosystem Concept
Clear and well-organized hyperlinked explanation of ecosystems, supported by a diagram showing the components of an ecosystem and their interrelatedness. Part of a much larger site 'Fundamentals of Physical Geography' set up by a Canadian University, the page covers many aspects of the area of study.
Resource that explores many aspects of this type of vegetation. The site includes detail on 'Climate', 'Homeland for forest peoples', and 'Rainforest facts'.
Part of the US Geological Survey 'Urban Dynamics Research Program', this site covers the problems associated with 'Urban sprawl', 'Rates of change', and 'Environmental impacts'.
Tropical Savannas CRC: Landscape Processes
Australian-based site providing information on tropical savannahs including 'Savannah explorer' ' 'Savannah map maker', where you can explore relationships between landscape features such as vegetation and soils by overlaying maps, and 'Savannah search'.
Visually stunning National Geographic page exploring some of the world's little-known biomes, and showing how much they have to teach scientists about the way in which life is organized. Taking a cobble-bed off the coast of New England, USA, as its starting point, this wide-ranging article branches off into the ocean floor, outer space and other unsuspected sources of knowledge about the processes of life.
Urban-Rural Population Distribution
General information on the urban-rural population distribution in the agricultural, industrial, and information ages, with extra insight on Spain.
Part of an electronic teacher's guide 'Teaching for a Sustainable World: International Editiod, this site also contains useful information for individual students.
World Environmental Changes Landmarks
Well-designed and attractive page from the BBC's education site looking at the effect the increasing human population has on the environment and climate. The site is broken down into five different environment types (wetlands, drylands, cities, the sea, and forests) with information, case studies from around the world, and activities for each. The hightech version also includes animations.
Site dedicated to explaining the importance of coral reefs for the survival of the planet. It is an impassioned plea on behalf of the world's endangered coral reefs and includes a full description of their biodiversity, maps of where coral reefs are to be found (no less than 109 countries), and many photos.
Geography and Tourism
Well-written site with information about all aspects of life in the Arctic. There are sections on history, natural resources, the rights of indigenous peoples, and issues of environmental concern.
Sponsored by the US Bureau of Land Management, this site explores the Sonoran Desert, the USAs hottest desert, and the unusual plant and animal life that has adapted to this harsh environment. Articles investigate management challenges facing the area, threatened and endangered species, and Native American cultural areas of the Sonoran Desert.
Geology and Mineralogy , physical geography
'Do you have a question about volcanoes, earthquakes, mountains, rocks, maps, ground water, lakes, or rivers?' If you do, the US Geological Survey invites you to ask one of their earth scientists a question at this site.
From a much larger site 'Fundamentals of Physical Geography' set up by a Canadian University and covering many aspects of the area of study. The site is clear and well organized and contains maps and diagrams.
Map Quiz Tutorial: Physical Geography
Interactive site that invites you to locate specific features on a physical map of the world. The answer frame at the bottom of the page tells you if you were correct.
Entertaining and informative site based on the BBC television series of the same name. This site shows in particular how geology and the earth sciences can be seen within cities, the home, and even the bathroom. Another feature is a series of 'virtual walks' showing rocks and minerals in surprising places in London, England, and other cities.
Created by a mineral enthusiast, this is an extremely useful Web site if you need to know about a particular mineral. All major mineralogical data of each of the more than 3,700 minerals listed in Dana's Mineralogy, the definitive source on minerals, is in this searchable database.
Types of Rocks: Igneous, Metamorphic and Sedimentary
Targeted specifically at GCSE geographers, this clear introduction to the three main rock types begins by outlining the history of the rock cycle and the relationship between igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Clear explanations of all three types, with photographs to illustrate, are followed by a set of test problems to make you do your own research.
Browse the mineral wonders unique to the cave environment - from bell canopies and bottlebrushes to splattermites and stalactites.
Field studies are the best way to learn about geographical concepts; take the next best thing - an Internet field trip - by selecting from this page. The choices include coastal erosion in Kent, UK, and coastal sand dunes and management in North Wales, UK. Study digital photographs of the area, read the accompanying notes, then take a short test to find out how much you have learned.
Volcanism, Avalanches, Earthquakes
Companion to the US Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) television programme Nova, this page follows an intrepid documentary team as they set out to film an avalanche. It provides information on the causes of avalanches, as well as details on how the film crew avoided getting swept away by them. There are six video clips of actual avalanches in progress and a number of still photos. You can download a transcript of the television programme.
Description of avalanches, what causes them, and how to minimize dangers if caught in one. There is advice on how to determine the stability of a snowpack, what to do if caught out, and how to locate people trapped under snow. Nobody skiing off piste should set off without reading this.
Before and After the Great Earthquake and Rre: Early Films of San Francisco, 1897-1916
Collection of 26 early films depicting San Francisco before and after the 1906 disaster, including a 1915 travelogue that shows scenes of the rebuilt city and the Panama Pacific Exposition, and a 1916 propaganda fihn. Should you not wish to download the entire film, each title contains sample still-frames. There is also background information about the earthquake and fire, and a selective bibliography.
Edinburgh University, Scotland, runs this site, which allows visitors to search for the world's latest earthquakes. The locator works on a global map on which perspective can be zoomed in or out. There are normally around five or six earthquakes a day; you'll find. it surprising how few make the news. The site also has some general information on earthquakes.
British Geological Survey Global Seismology and Geomagnetism Group Earthquake Page
Fascinating maps showing the location and relative magnitude of recent UK earthquake activity make up just a small part of this Web site. Also included are historical and archive information, as well as descriptions of felt effects and hazards. Watch out if you live in Wolverhampton!
Eq11S - Earthquake Image Information System
Fully searchable library of almost 8,000 images from more than 80 earthquakes. It is possible to search by earthquake, structure, photographer, and keyword.
Disasters: Panoramic Photographs, 1851-1991
Part of the Panoramic Photo Collection of the US Library of Congress, this page features 144 panoramic photographs of natural and human caused disaster scenes, mostly in the USA, between 1851 and 1991. To narrow your search, click on New Search and enter a specific disaster or location. The images include brief notes. Click on the images to increase their size.
Modified Mercalli intensity Scale
Explanation of the Mercalli scale, which is one of the two main scales (with the Richter scale) along which earthquakes are measured.
Provided by Michigan Technological University; this site includes a world map of volcanic activity with information on recent eruptions, the latest research in remote sensing of volcanoes, and many spectacular photographs.
Site examining the complex geology of Vesuvius and its famous eruption of 79 AD. There are images of the volcano and historical drawings. There is also a link to a local site campaigning for an improved civil defence plan as the volcano prepares once more to explode.
Dramatic site that opens with a picture of an erupting volcano, and asks whether volcanic catastrophes - which threaten millions of people in an increasingly densely-populated world - can be predicted. With the help of video clips and interactive tasks, the well-written text goes on to answer important questions about volcanic activity: how volcanoes forin and what the forces are that cause solid rock to melt and burst through the surface of the Earth.
Comprehensive site on volcanoes, with details of the most recent eruptions, currently active volcanoes, a glossary, images and video clips, and even a list of extraterrestrial volcanoes. If you can't find out what you want to know, you canAsk a volcanologist'.
Detailed tour of the San Andreas Fault and the San Francisco Bay area, with information on the origination of the fault. The site is supported by a full range of area maps.
Plate tectonics, Paleantology, Extinctions
Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics
US Geological Survey National Earthquake Information Centre site, explaining the relationship between plate tectonics and earthquakes.
Well-illustrated site on this geological phenomenon. As well as the plentiful illustrations, this site also has a good clear manner of explaining the way the plates of the Earths crust interact to produce seismic activity.
US-based site aimed at young people as a'lesson covering the chemical and physical layers of the Earth, historical development of the theory, and descriptions of the location and types of plate boundaries.'
Science Odyssey.. You Try It. Plate Tectonics
Well-presented site to 'the theory that Earth's outer layer is made up of plates' * This site, labelled 'Mountain maker, Earth shaker' has science related interactive activities that use the Shockwave plug-in.
Donald L Blanchard's Earth Sciences, Web Site
Informative articles on palaeoclimate, plate tectonics, and palaeontology.
Part of a larger site maintained by Scientific American, this page explores the catastrophic impact that an asteroid's crashing into the sea would have on civilization and the environment. Animated simulations show the effects of impact and the effect that a tsunami would have on the eastern seaboard of the USA if an asteroid struck the Atlantic Ocean. Learn about the tsunami that struck Prince William Sound, Alaska, in 1964 after an underwater earthquake. The text includes hypertext links to further information and a list of related links.
Introduction to Plate Tectonics
Detailed guide to the background and major characteristics of plate tectonic theory. This site includes sections on fossil distribution, lithology, palaeomagnetism, oceanography, and'What causes plates to move?'.
This Dynamic Earth. The Story of Plate Tectonics
Electronic version of a book published by the US Geological Survey.
Online publication about plate tectonics, its history and theory, with a map that shows the Earth's physiographic features, the current movements of its major tectonic plates, and the locations of its volcanoes, earthquakes, and impact craters. The use of colour and shaded relief helps the reader to identify significant features of the land surface and the ocean floor. Over 1,500 volcanoes active during the past 10,000 years are plotted on the map in four age categories.
The goal of the PALEOMAP Project is to illustrate the plate tectonic development of the ocean basins and continents, as well as the changing distribution of land and sea during the past 1,100 million years.
Cambrian Period: Life Goes for a Spin
Part of a larger site maintained by Scientific American, this page reports on the research of Joseph Kirschvink of the California Institute of Technology which suggests that the so-called 'Cambrian Explosion' resulted from a sudden shifting of the Earths crust. The text includes hyperlinks to further information, and there is also a list of related links, including one to figures, diagrams, and information from Kirschvink's research paper.
Contains much historical information about the discovery, study, and conservation of the coelacanth, a 400-million-year-old species of fish, as well as recent news and listings of scientific articles. Also on the site is a virtual swimming coelacanth, some online videos, and a shop for coelacananth enthusiasts!
Exploration of possible causes of the Late Pleistocene extinction of most large mammals in North America. Different theories are discussed. There is also information on the prehistoric inhabitants of North America.
Landform development, rivers, coastlines, hydrology and soils
Sponsored by the US Bureau of Land Management, this site explores the Great Basin of the western USA and its desert ecosystem of plants, animals, and minerals. This site includes information on the scarcity of water, modern and environmental challenges, mining, grazing, wild horses and burros, and a look at methods to preserve and rehabilitate the ecosystem. Maps and photographs complement the text.
Coastal Features and Processes
This glossary of essential terms relating to coastal landscapes would make a helpful revision aid. The straightforward text layout and concise descriptions make this a good page to download and keep.
Full text of a US Geological Survey publication. This detailed site uses intelligent text and photographs to show a coastline under siege. It describes the various types of coastline, methods of shoring them up, and the human and meteorological forces attacking the coast. This is an excellent resource for anyone studying coastal erosion, deposition and protection.
Historical information on the US mid-West dust bowl of the 1930s. The site features period photographs and an MPG video clip of a dust storm taken from original film footage (please beware the lengthy download time for this clip).
Features Produced by Running Water
Revision page aimed at GCSE geography students, explaining essential terms and concepts to do with rivers and running water. The layout is simple and quick to load, and the definitions are clear and concise.
Guide to the Edwards Aquifer (a rock formation containing water) in Texas - one of the most prolific artesian aquifers in the world.
Description of two important geological processes, part of a much larger site on physical geography, set up by a Canadian university. The hyperlinked text explains the three stages in the process of erosion -detachment, entrainment, and transport as well as the causes of deposition.
Global Drainage Basins Database
Informative United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) database of drainage basins worldwide. This detailed, scientific site includes a good, clear explanation of what drainage basins are, and why they are important.
Groundwater Quality and the Use of Lawn and Garden Chemicals by Homeowners
Extensive information about the problem of keeping groundwater free from garden chemicals. There is a description of groundwater, as well as detailed information on pesticides and their use. There are also notes on applying lawn and garden chemicals, and what should be done with the leftovers.
Explanation of soil pH. The Web site also describes how to measure the pH of soil using simple experimental equipment, and goes on to describe methods that may be used to modify the acidity of alkalinity of your soil.
Companion to the US Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) television programme Nova, this page concerns many aspects of flooding. It takes an historical look at floods and examines the measures that engineers have taken to combat them. Three major rivers are discussed: the Yellow, Nile, and Mississippi. In addition to learning about the negative effects of floods, you can also find out about the benefits that floods bestow on farmland. There are many images dispersed throughout the site, plus an audio clip of a flood in progress.
Find out about the coldest, windiest place on Earth, and the geological processes behind its formation. Full of detail about what it's really like to go on an expedition to Antarctica, this well-designed site has ample information on ice and glaciers, and explains why the ice-sheet that covers all but 2% of Antarctica has expanded and contracted throughout its history.
Comprehensive information about glaciers from the US National Snow and Ice Data Centre. There are explanations of why glaciers form, different kinds of glaciers, and what they may tell us about climate change. There are a number of interesting facts and a bibliography about the compacted tongues of ice which cover 10% of the land surface of our planet.
U-Shaped Valleys and Truncated Spurs
Information page aimed at GCSE-level geography students, which describes these important physical features and explains the process of glacial erosion which brought them into being.
Easy to understand and well-illustrated guide to the water cycle. The site is part of an online meteorology guide provided by the University of Illinois.
Information from the US Geological Survey about all aspects of hydrology. The 'clickable' chapters include facts about surface water and groundwater, the work of hydrologists, and careers in hydrology. For answers to further questions click on 'ask a hydrologist, which provides links to other US national and regional sources.
Internal and External Friction
Page explaining the concept of friction in the context of rivers. Part of a much larger site containing resources for secondary school geography, this page describes how friction is crucial to the way in which a river is formed, and how it acts.
Models of Landform Development
This page on landforms discusses the four types to be found on Earth, and how they develop. Part of a much larger site, 'Fundamentals of Physical Geography" set up by a Canadian University, the text is supported by a graphical model explaining the relationship between geomorphic processes and landform types.
From a much larger site 'Fundamentals of Physical Geography' set up by a Canadian University and covering many aspects of the area of study. The site is clear and well organized and contains maps and diagrams.
UK Environment Agency page providing flow statistics for 35 English and Welsh rivers. Click on a region on the map of England and Wales, then select a gauging station to access flow statistics for individual rivers, as well as data on the geology of the catchment area and average monthly flow figures.
Essential terms and concepts for the study of rivers, part of a university geography site. Hypertext is used to link definitions of drainage patterns, oxbow lakes, meanders, and other aspects of river formation, to simple sketch diagrams.
Streamflow and Fluvial Processes
Clear, hyperlinked explanation of streamflow, which is part of a university site on physical geography. The site uses diagrams and photographs to illustrate the various fluvial processes.
Interactive game designed to teach pupils from secondary level upwards how human activity can affect the quality of the local water supply. Click on a section: national parks, agriculture, cities, or neighbourhoods, to access virtual reality simulations allowing you to make your own landuse decisions and see their impact on the watershed.
Maps, globes, satellite pictures, map making and mapping history
Interactive world atlas featuring information on local time and sunrise and sunsets in hundreds of cities, and a database of public holidays around the world. You can rotate the globe to view areas of daylight and night, zoom in on areas of interest, or display national borders.
Database of maps which allows you to view a detailed political map for almost any country in the world. You can also choose to see a physical map for the same country. Also included on this site are detailed facts about each of the countries.
Treasure trove of cartographic images spanning from 6,000 to 1700 AD, put into context with the help of individual or group monographs and a rich bibliography. A valuable and neatly designed resource of astonishing dimensions.
Earth and Heavens - The Art of Map Maker
Excerpts from a major exhibition (now closed) at the British Library on the way maps and mapmaking have been used over the years to make statements about humankind's relationship to the world and the mysteries of the universe.
Bodleian Library Map Room - The Map Case
Broad selection of images from the historical map collection of the Bodleian library Visitors can choose between rare maps of Oxfordshire, London, areas of Britain, New England, Canada, and more. The maps can be viewed by thumbnail and then selected in their full GIF or JPEG version.
Over 200 globes and maps, showing the Earth from all angles, including space shots, political maps, the ancient world, geographical features, and animated spinning globes.
Features interactive maps of more than 3 million cities worldwide. You can track down businesses and landmarks in Europe and zoom in on street maps. If you've lost your way, 'TripQuest' provides door-to-door driving directions.
History of maps and details of the mathematics behind mapmaking. There are maths-related mapping problems to solve and a list of cartographical links.
Impressive site from the official body responsible for the mapping of Britain. Here you can download a selection of UK maps in a variety of formats. Other features include the 'Education section which has a selection of teaching resources linked to maps and geography.
Educational and entertaining exhibition of celestial atlases - highly illustrated scientific books of the post-Renaissance period designed in an effort to capture 'the sweeping grandeur of the heavens, super imposed with constellation figures, in a grand and monumental format' * As well as plenty of images, the site also offers an introductory historical essay and accompanying notes for each image.
Large and lavishly illustrated Web site. Features include the Map Machine Atlas, which allows you to find maps, flags, facts, and profiles for the countries of the world, and discussion forums on a variety of subjects. Many articles and multimedia items can be accessed for free.
Weather, Clouds
Highlights of this very comprehensive climate information site include an index of the main UK and Irish weather stations, with tables of monthly minimum and maximum temperatures, as well as rainfall figures. This is also where to come to find the likelihood of rain in a host of towns from Barnstaple to Ullapool.
World Meteorological Organization
Internet voice of the World Meteorological Organization, a UN division coordinating global scientific activity related to climate and weather. The site offers ample material on the long-term objectives and immediate policies of the organization. It also disseminates important information on WMO's databases, training programmes, and satellite activities, as well as its projects related to the protection of the environment.
Authoritative account of global warming issues such as the ozone problem, EI Ninio (and the less known La Ninia) the tropical cyclones, and forecasting methods. Scientific explanations alternate with images and film clips in an educational site which especially targets teachers and their students.
Illustrated guide to how clouds form and to the various different types. The site contains plenty of images and a glossary of key terms in addition to further explanations of the various types of precipitation.
This site offers a unique look at clouds, containing photographs of various cloud types taken from space including thunderstorms over Brazil, jet stream cirrus clouds, and a description of how clouds form.
Subtitled 'a (fairly) simple explanation', this site contains a description of the principles involved, and is aimed at non-physicists.
Department of Atmospheric Sciences
Masses of data and other information on climate around the planet. Among the site's more attractive features is the use of multimedia instructional modules, customized weather maps, and real-time weather data.
Climate Change - greenhouse effect, el ninio
From a much larger site 'Fundamentals of Physical Geography' set up by a Canadian University and covering many aspects of the area of study. The site is clear and well organized and contains maps and diagrams.
Wealth of scientific information about EI Niflo (a 'disruption of the ocean-atmosphere system in the tropical Pacific') with animated views of the monthly sea changes brought about by it, El Ninio-related climate predictions, and forecasts from meteorological centres around the world. It also offers an illuminating 'Frequently Asked Questions' section with basic and more advanced questions as well as an interesting historical overview of the phenomenon starting from 1550.
State of the Climate: a Time for Action
Climate change is happening now and having a drastic effect upon the natural world, according to this dramatic, animated Web site from the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF). A Macromedia Flash multimedia introduction is followed by information on WVVFs climate change campaign.
The Greenhouse Effect. How the Earth Stays Warm
Explanation of the greenhouse effect, the process by which atmospheric gases trap heat. This page links to a description of how this perfectly normal and essential process is being turned into something harmful by the pollutants humans put into the atmosphere. It also explains that related phenomenon, the hole in the ozone layer.
Global Climate Change Information Programme (GCCIP)
Established in October 1991, the GCCIP provides an information link between scientists (both natural and social), politicians, economists, and the general public, on the subjects of climate change and air quality Their Web site includes a number of essays on related issues.
Weather: What forces affect our weather?
User-friendly, US-based site exploring aspects of climate including'the water cycle', 'powerful storms', and 'our changing climate'. The site includes'hands-oiY activities such as'Try your hand at tornado chasing'.
Ice, Glaciers, Snow
Companion to the US Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) television programme Nova, this page provides information about glaciation, the natural changes in climate over the past 60 million years, the greenhouse effect, global warming, and continental movement. There is also a list of related links.
Mulimedia History of Glacier Bay, Alaska
Virtual tour featuring scenic flights over 3-dimensional glaciers. The multimedia experience combines video footage, computer and satellite images, photos, text, and maps, and includes information on glacial formation. View hand-drawn maps of glaciers that date back to 1794 and watch video of massive ice fronts splitting and splashing into the sea.
Questions and Answers About Snow
Comprehensive information about snow from the US National Snow and Ice Data Centre. Among the interesting subjects discussed are why snow is white, why snow flakes can be up to two inches across, what makes some snow fluffy, why sound travels farther across snowy ground, and why snow is a good insulator..
Tropical Storms - Hurricanes
Hurricane & Tropical Storm Tracking
Follow the current paths of Pacific and mid-Atlantic hurricanes and tropical storms at this site. Java animations of storms in previous years can also be viewed, and data sets for these storms may be downloaded. Current satellite weather maps can be accessed for the USA and surrounding region.
Introduction to the weather for kids. It has pages dealing with everything from climate to lightning, from satellite forecasting to precipitation - all explained in a lively style with plenty of pictures.
Set up by a devotee of the sport, this site has swiftly expanded through voluntary contributions of other fans. There are a vast number of stunning photos and a whole online Tornado Museum to tempt you into this hobby. On the other hand, an extended section of veterans' thoughts on safety may make you think twice. The site also offers severe weather reports for emergencies!
Interesting explanation about how hurricanes are named, from the US national weather service. There is also a table that shows you what name future hurricanes will be given.
Striking photographs, one of a 21-cm hailstone, another of the anvil shaped cloud typical of a severe thunderstorm, illustrate this hyperlinked description of some dramatic weather events. Part of a much larger physical geography site set up by a Canadian university~ the page gives a clear explanation of the various types of thunderstorm and the conditions that bring them about.
All about tornadoes - including myths and oddities, personal experiences, tornado chasing, tornado safety, and tornadoes past and present.
Tropical Weather and Hurricanes
From a much larger site 'Fundamentals of physical geography', set up by a Canadian university and covering many aspects of the area of study. The site includes details about how and where tropical storms develop. It is well organized and contains maps and diagrams.
Oceans
Wealth of information about water creatures. The presentation is fun and interactive, including a'Virtual pond dip'.
N0AA (Earth Resources mapper satelite)
The US government National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) site is beautiful and user-friendly, with information and the latest news on weather, climate, oceanography, and remote sensing.
Animated journey through the deepest ocean trench in the world, in a series of downloadable MPEG animations. The animations are based on NASA data and this site also includes an illustrated geology of the area and a description of plate tectonics.
Good site for finding out about many marine animals, with encyclopedic descriptions of selected animals. This site contains sections called Xidlinks', Ask a scientist, 'Spotlight on..." and 'Ocean news'.
Oceans and the environmental issues affecting their health, based on the Smithsonian Institute's travelling exhibition of the same name. Use the exhibition floor plan to navigate your way around the different ,rooms' - with themes ranging from ocean science and immersion to heroes and sea people.
Ocean Satelite Image Comparison
Maintained by the US National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, this site is a Java applet which compares satellite images and data about the ocean surface temperatures and turbidity of numerous coastal areas around the USA. The site includes an image panner for navigating larger images.
Description of many aspects of tsunamis. Included are details on how a tsunami is generated and how it propagates, how they have affected humans, and how people in coastal areas are warned about them. The site also discusses if and how you may protect yourself from a tsunami and provides 'near real-time' tsunami information bulletins.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Home Page
Site run by a Massachusetts-based oceanographic institute. As well as containing details of their research programmes and an overview of the organization, there is a gallery of marine pictures and videos, and contacts for their education programmes.