Geospatial Data / Instructional Materials
Instructional Materials
Albedo
Lab
The
surface albedo is of major importance in determining the absorption
of solar energy and the impact of the heat island effect on the local
area.
Time: (45 minutes)
Background Information
The surface albedo
is of major importance in determining the absorption of solar energy and
the impact of the heat island effect on the local area. Large variations
in albedo are possible due to vegetation. Generally, because of internal
reflection, albedo decreases for a given vegetation type as the height
of the vegetation increases . However, this may not be true for short,
sparse vegetation if the albedo of the soil is low. Also, albedo generally
decreases for soil and vegetation as surface wetness increases. Extensive
human intervention, such as deforestation or irrigation on highly reflective
soil, will also affect the albedo. Variations in surface albedo may be
expected to affect the local climate.
Lab Activity:
Engage:
In this activity you
will measure the rise in temperature of a variety of surfaces.
Procedure:
Before you begin,
answer the on the following prediction questions:
Do you think surface
color has an impact on temperature, and if so, how?
Do you think surface
texture has an impact on temperature, and if so, how?
What do you think
is meant by the saying, "It's hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk"?
Explore:
Objectives:
Students will measure
albedo and compare the relationship of albedo to temperature rate increase.
Students will measure
surface texture and compare the relationship of surface texture to temperature
rate increase.
Materials:
Lab lamps,
Variety of surfaces
Thermometers
1. Working in pairs,
select five surfaces on which you can measure temperature change. Make
sure your selection includes a variety of colors (light to dark) and textures
(smooth to rough).
2. Distribute materials
to each group. Explain that each group will work individually to obtain
their data and then share the data with the rest of the class. This will
allow the class to compare a larger variety of albedo and surface types.
3. Either shine a
lab light on the surface or allow sunlight to fall across it.
4. Place a thermometer
on the surface.
5. Measure the temperature
change after 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and 20 minutes.
6. Record and graph
your data.
Explain:
Were your answers
to the prediction questions accurate? Why or why not?
How does albedo impact
temperature rise?
How does surface texture
impact temperature rise?
Expand
1. When comparing
the whole class' results, what conclusions can you make about albedo and
texture and their relationship to heat absorption?
Evaluate
1. In one paragraph,
explain how varying surface colors (for example, concrete versus macadem/blacktop)
and textures can be used to reduce the heat island effect when planning
your recreation facility.
Further Challenges:
Try this activity
with different types of surfaces and textures. When outside, measure temperatures
of the sidewalk, play ground, etc. Make predictions before trying these
activities. Also, both before and after a rain storm, measure the temperature
of a local stream that is impacted by parking lot run off and observe
any temperature change.
Resources:
NASA Project Atlanta
http://wwwghcc.msfc.nasa.gov/urban/urban_heat_island.html
The Heat Capacity
Mapping Mission (HCMM)
http://rst.gsfc.nasa.gov/Sect9/Sect9_8.html
Stratospheric Ozone
Satellite and Sensor Information
http://www.ccpo.odu.edu/SEES/ozone/oz_sat.htm
High Spatial Resolution
Airborne Multispectral Thermal Infrared Data to Support Analysis and Modeling
Tasks in EOS
IDS Project ATLANTA
http://eospso.gsfc.nasa.gov/eos_observ/5_6_97/p22.html
EPA Glossary
http://yosemite.epa.gov/oar/globalwarming.nsf/content/index.html
Chesapeake Bay Indicators
http://www.chesapeakebay.net/info/indicators.cfm
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