A Rising Tide - Linking Ocean and Ice

Ari Daniel Shapiro, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

This audio slideshow/video describes the Greenland ice sheet and the difficulties in getting scientific measurements at the interface between the ice and the ocean. It features the work of a researcher from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute researcher. She gives a personal account of her work on the recent increase in melting of glaciers, the challenges of working in Greenland, and the reasons why so many climate scientists are looking there for answers to questions about climate change.

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Notes from our reviewers

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Best used in a high school or college oceanography course. This resource provides a great answer to the question -- what do scientists do?
Video includes animation of ocean current circulation and its interaction with the Greenland ice sheet. Comment from expert scientist: The video shows up-to-date information linking dynamics in the North Atlantic Ocean, dynamics in the Greenland ice sheet, seasonal variability, and consequences (sea level rise). It also shows compelling footage and has descriptions of what it takes for scientists to actually obtain relevant data - good personal interest and "process of science" information.
This resource is focused on the work of physical oceanographer, Fiamma Straneo. It provides sufficient scientific context to understanding what she is doing and why. It is not designed to directly stimulate inquiry or the asking of further questions. A good scientist/narrator shows students how science is done and that research is a tough job!