"Don't Forget the Salt!" Aquarius Education and Public Outreach Annette deCharon University of Maine

This map shows a seven- day average, based on all known measurement locations sampled over the past 100 years for Sea Surface Salinity (SSS)

Not presently measured by satellite, this map shows the weekly SSS coverage that will be achieved by Aquarius after it is activated Aquarius / SAC-D is a joint U.S. (NASA) - Argentine (CONAE) venture

How do we engage today’s learners to utilize SSS data sets? By providing resources that demonstrate how improved understanding of salinity patterns – with ties to climate and the water cycle – can benefit society as a whole.

K-4: Explain that evaporation can separate the water from the salt in salt water

Salinity patterns are governed by geographic differences in the "water budget." Students learn about the processes that influence salinity patterns using sequential maps of monthly mean data from the North Atlantic Ocean. 5-8: Explain how the processes of the water cycle relate to the ocean

By clicking on the "play" button, users view pairs of monthly maps. On a data analysis worksheet, students answer a series of "Key Questions": What is the environmental significance of the "0" line on the E-P map?

By clicking on the "play" button, users view pairs of monthly maps. On a data analysis worksheet, students answer a series of "Key Questions": What is the environmental significance of the "0" line on the E-P map?

By clicking on the "play" button, users view pairs of monthly maps. On a data analysis worksheet, students answer a series of "Key Questions": What is the environmental significance of the "0" line on the E-P map?

By clicking on the "play" button, users view pairs of monthly maps. On a data analysis worksheet, students answer a series of "Key Questions": What is the environmental significance of the "0" line on the E-P map?

By clicking on the "play" button, users view pairs of monthly maps. On a data analysis worksheet, students answer a series of "Key Questions": What is the environmental significance of the "0" line on the E-P map?

By clicking on the "play" button, users view pairs of monthly maps. On a data analysis worksheet, students answer a series of "Key Questions": What is the environmental significance of the "0" line on the E-P map?

By clicking on the "play" button, users view pairs of monthly maps. On a data analysis worksheet, students answer a series of "Key Questions": What is the environmental significance of the "0" line on the E-P map?

By clicking on the "play" button, users view pairs of monthly maps. On a data analysis worksheet, students answer a series of "Key Questions": What is the environmental significance of the "0" line on the E-P map?

By clicking on the "play" button, users view pairs of monthly maps. On a data analysis worksheet, students answer a series of "Key Questions": What is the environmental significance of the "0" line on the E-P map?

By clicking on the "play" button, users view pairs of monthly maps. On a data analysis worksheet, students answer a series of "Key Questions": What is the environmental significance of the "0" line on the E-P map?

By clicking on the "play" button, users view pairs of monthly maps. On a data analysis worksheet, students answer a series of "Key Questions": What is the environmental significance of the "0" line on the E-P map?

By clicking on the "play" button, users view pairs of monthly maps. On a data analysis worksheet, students answer a series of "Key Questions": What is the environmental significance of the "0" line on the E-P map?

Hands on experiments Salinity difference (35 ppt) Temperature difference (30 deg C) Karp-Boss et al. (2009) : Explain the influence of ocean salinity on the thermohaline circulation (e.g., “global conveyer belt”)

Thermohaline circulation Visualizations Density NASA Scientific Visualization Studio

Advanced students can use interactive tools to explore historical salinity, temperature & density data from the World Ocean Atlas (2005). Guided by a "Q & A" format, users can create maps, in-water profiles & time-series graphs. Direct links to Interactive Tools & Tutorials

Annual mean maps & In-water profiles: Salinity, temperature & density

Can choose up to six locations at once Annual mean maps & In-water profiles: Salinity, temperature & density

Advanced students can use interactive tools to explore historical salinity, temperature & density data from the World Ocean Atlas (2005). Guided by a "Q & A" format, users can create maps, in-water profiles & time-series graphs. Direct links to Interactive Tools & Tutorials

Monthly mean maps & Time-series graphs Salinity, Temperature & Density from depths

Monthly mean maps & Time-series graphs Salinity, Temperature & Density from depths

Monthly mean maps & Time-series graphs Salinity, Temperature & Density from depths

Monthly mean maps & Time-series graphs Salinity, Temperature & Density from depths

Monthly mean maps & Time-series graphs Salinity, Temperature & Density from depths

Monthly mean maps & Time-series graphs Salinity, Temperature & Density from depths

Interactive tools include annual salinity, temperature, and density data ( ) to answer these questions: Were the oceans as salty a hundred years ago? Can we answer that question? Why do we care? Quick link to climate data Quick link to climate data

“Student outcomes” resources database (examples) Grades K-4Grades 5-8Grades 9-12 Water Cycle Explain that evaporation can separate the water from the salt in salt water Explain how the processes of the water cycle relate to the ocean Explain relationships between fresh water & ocean dynamics Ocean Circulation Describe connections between ocean salt water & fresh water in water cycle Explain the effect of density on ocean circulation Explain the influence of ocean salinity on the thermohaline circulation Climate Compare climates based on precipitation, temperature & distance from ocean Explain the ocean holds a large amount of heat & its effect on climate Describe how changes in ocean circulation can produce changes in climate 21 st Century Technology Explain that satellites can make measurements at a distance Gather, analyze & interpret data about the ocean’s effects on climate Explain how technology can enhance the gathering & use of oceanic data

Where can you find these tools & resources? For more information, please contact: Annette deCharon Thank you!