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Ocean scientists in the COOLroom use information from satellites and other instruments to learn more about the temperature of the ocean. Learn how they do it.
 
A. Learn how satellites are used to monitor ocean temperature. Visit the Remote Sensing Satellites page in the "What's COOL?" section to learn how satellites are used by oceanographers to study ocean temperature. Then learn how to read satellite images for yourself by doing the SST (Sea Surface Temperature) tutorial in the Control Room. When you're done close the windows to continue with this project.
1. Go to Remote Sensing Satellites in "What's COOL?"
2. Click on the yellow SST button in the Control Room to do the SST Tutorial.
B. Test your satellite image reading skills. Look at the four satellite images below and answer the questions in the "Satellite Images" section of the "Ocean Temperature" Worksheet. Record your answers in your notebook.
1.  Download "Ocean Temperature" Worksheet. When you're done printing out the Worksheet, return to this window and continue.
Click on satellite thumbnails below for larger views.
   
C. Learn how underwater sensors (CTDs) monitor ocean temperature and salinity. Scientists can study the changes in temperature and saltiness of ocean water below the surface using an underwater sensor tool called a CTD (CTD stands for Conductivity Temperature Depth). Visit the CTD Tutorial in the Control Room to learn more about how scientists use underwater sensors and probes. When you're done close the windows to continue with this project.
1. Click on CTD slide in the Control Room to do the CTD Tutorial.
D. Test your CTD data reading skills. Look at the four CTD data graphs below. For each graph, the depth of the water is shown to the left of the graph, on the Y-axis. The white line shows how the temperature changes with depth, and can be compared to the scale at the bottom of the graph. The temperature of the water can also be compared to the colored temperature scale to the right of the graph. The black line shows how the salinity (the saltiness of the water) changes with depth, and can be compared to the scale at the top of the graph.
Using the graphs below, answer the questions in the "CTD Data" section of the Ocean Temperature Worksheet. Record your findings in your notebook.
Click on CTD thumbnails below for larger views.
   
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