News - Finland
2013 Surface Temperature Field Campaign
The Surface Temperature Field Campaign, held annually since 2006, focuses on the impacts of snow on Earth's temperature. GLOBE Partner Dr. Kevin Czajkowski and researchers at the University of Toledo, Ohio, USA, would like to engage as many GLOBE students as possible to take surface temperature observations during the month of December 2013. This is a great opportunity to work with schools around the world on a common research project.
This year's field campaign will be very important because the new Landsat 8 satellite was launched by NASA on 11 February 2013. This is the first Landsat satellite in Landsat's 41-year history that has had two thermal bands. That means that this satellite should be able to observe Earth's temperature better than the previous Landsat satellites. And GLOBE student data can help to validate the Landsat 8 surface temperature algorithms.
The best place to get started is the GLOBE website. (link) http://www.globe.gov/web/surface-temperature-field-campaign/overview where you will find the
- Surface Temperature Field Campaign Teacher's Participation Guide
- Surface Temperature Protocol
- Surface Temperature Data Sheet
and more.
Equipment Needed:
You will need an infrared thermometer (IRT) to take your surface temperature measurements. The Fluke 63 or Fluke 561 are models used by Dr. Czajkowski, but if you can't find one of those, you may use a lower cost instrument. When you report your surface temperature data, be sure to specify the type of IRT you are using.
Some teachers find it hard to get an infrared thermometer (IRT) to do the protocol. You may be able to borrow one from a heating and cooling specialist or an auto mechanic. They use them in their work.
Dr. Kevin Czajkowski will be blogging during the field campaign about the weather and also the student data. You won't want to miss it. The blog is located at: http://satellitesk12.org. Click on the link to the Surface Temperature Field Campaign and you will find information about this year's field campaign as well as past ones.
What's new in this year's Surface Temperature Field Campaign? Impervious Surface Mapping
This year, the Surface Temperature Field Campaign will be enhanced by the inclusion of impervious surface observations. Dr. Czajkowski and Eric Brown de Colstoun, a scientist working at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, are interested in seeing how the percent of impervious surface and surface temperature are related. If you are interested in taking impervious surface observations near your school, or have any questions regarding the Surface Temperature Field Campaign 2013, contact:
Dr. Kevin Czajkowski: kevin.czajkowski@utoledo.edu
or
Eric Brown de Colstoun: eric.c.browndecolsto@nasa.gov
type: globe-news
News origin: GLOBE Implementation Office