Protocol Certification Requirements

Required eTraining Modules by Sphere/Protocol

Before users can start logging their measurements into GLOBE databases, they must first complete the necessary GLOBE protocol training. To make these trainings more accessible, there are online learning modules that will help users meet our quality standards. There is a guide below to the specific modules users must complete before uploading data pertinent to a specific Earth sphere and protocol.

Important: Zebra Zapps, an online visual tool, is required to run certain Supported Materials; however, the application is known to malfunction with specific internet browsers. If a browser is experiencing this issue, try loading the material within a different browser. Unfortunately, GLOBE support staff will not be able to assist users who cannot open this content, but remember, this material is not required to complete any training module.
 

Protocols

Choose the protocol within the Earth sphere that corresponds with the relevant data. The required modules within each sphere are ordered by ease of implementation.

Important: Users must first complete the Introduction to GLOBE training, regardless of which sphere/protocol they choose. 
 

Atmosphere

Complete the Introduction to Atmosphere and one of the modules below to complete training for an Atmosphere protocol. 

Protocol Required Module
Air Temperature Air Temperature
Clouds Clouds
Precipitation

One of the following:

  • Precipitation: Rain
  • Precipitation: Snow
Relative Humidity Relative Humidity
Barometric Pressure Barometric Pressure
Surface Temperature Surface Temperature

 

Biosphere 

Complete the Introduction to Biosphere and one of the modules below to complete training for a Biosphere protocol. 

Protocol Required Module
Biometry

Land Cover Classification and one of the following:

  • Biometry: Canopy Cover and Ground Cover
  • Biometry: Tree Circumference
  • Biometry: Graminoid Biomass
  • Biometry: Graminoid, Tree, and Shrub Height (Five Methods)
Carbon Cycle

Carbon Cycle Introduction and one of the following:

  • Standard Site Carbon Cycle Protocols
  • Non-Standard Site Carbon Cycle Protocols
Green Up-Green Down

One of the following:

  • Green Up-Green Down: Grass Green-Up
  • Green Up-Green Down: Grass Green-Down
  • Green Up-Green Down: Tree and Shrub Green-Up
  • Green Up-Green Down: Tree and Shrub Green-Down

 

Hydrosphere

Complete the Introduction to Hydrosphere and one of the modules below to complete training for a Hydrosphere protocol. 

Protocol Required Module
Water Temperature

One of the following:

  • Water Temperature: Using an Alcohol-Filled Thermometer

  • Water Temperature: Using a Temperature Probe
Water Transparency

One of the following:

  • Water Transparency: Using a Secchi Disk
  • Water Transparency: Using a Transparency Tube
Electrical Conductivity

Electrical Conductivity
Water pH

One of the following:

  • Water pH: Using pH Paper
  • Water pH: Using pH Meter
Alkalinity Alkalinity
Dissolved Oxygen

One of the following:

  • Dissolved Oxygen: Using a Dissolved Oxygen Commercial Kit
  • Dissolved Oxygen: Using a Dissolved Oxygen Probe
Salinity

One of the following:

  • Salinity: Using Titration Method
  • Salinity: Using a Hydrometer
Nitrates Nitrates

 

Pedosphere (Soil)

Complete the Introduction to Pedosphere and one of the modules below to complete training for a Pedosphere protocol. 

Protocol Required Module
Soil Temperature Soil Temperature
Soil Moisture: Block Pattern SMAP Soil Moisture
Soil Moisture: Gravimetric

Soil Moisture Gravimetric
Soil Characterization

Both of the following:

  • Soil Characterization 
  • Selecting, Exposing and Defining a Soil Characterization Site
Soil Bulk Density Soil Bulk Density
Soil Infiltration Soil Infiltration