Climate Variability in the North Atlantic

Cindy Shellito, University of Northern Colorado, InTeGrate, SERC

In this activity, students examine climate variability in the North Atlantic associated with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NOA) in a case study format.

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This activity is flexible in how it is taught. For example the jigsaw method can be used or students can work individually. It can be taught entirely in class or parts can be assigned for homework. This is part of a sequence of activities in an InTeGrate module on climate change. It follows a similar activity that focuses on the tropical Pacific [http://serc.carleton.edu/integrate/teaching_materials/climate_change/casestudy2-1.html] The next step in the sequence examines a related case study that explore El Niño and La Niña. [http://serc.carleton.edu/integrate/teaching_materials/climate_change/unit3.html] Activity overview includes teaching tips.
Activity addresses climate variability of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NOA) and the cause-effect relationship between North Atlantic pressure anomalies and precipitation on the Iberian Peninsula. These topics help students learn how climate in one location can be affected by distant events. Comments from expert scientist: Scientific strengths are: - The focus on positive and negative anomalies - Connecting the difference between pressure systems and precipitation (see comments below) - Interpretation of lat/longs and scales - Great lead-in into other subjects about weather patterns (ENSO) A few suggestions: - I know it might sound obvious, but when I taught this subject to upper-division science undergraduates, they had the hardest time understanding that pressure was atmospheric pressure and not water pressure... so that should be emphasized - I'd love to know what time period the long term mean is derived from - This is a GREAT connecting question: 12) Hypothesize a physical mechanism that might explain a connection between anomalous pressure and precipitation. How does pressure affect precipitation? - However, I think its really tough and unless the students have a meteorological background they will need a pre-question about precipitation patterns from high and low pressure systems (low pressure --> air rises --> condenses --> precipitation) a visual would be very helpful, too: https://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/sage/meteorology/lesson4/highs_n_lows.htm https://www.weatherworksinc.com/high-low-pressure - Note that the link on the first slide of the PowerPoint does not work (http://nomad3.ncep.noaa.gov/ncep_data/index.html)
Activity walks students through a data set depicting climate variability in the North Atlantic associated with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NOA). Students examine anomalies of precipitation and pressure over a 10-year period, create a chart showing the movement of these anomalies over this time period, and answer questions about the relationship between North Atlantic pressure anomalies and precipitation on the Iberian Peninsula. Students gain practice at reading contour plots, finding relationships in data, working in small groups, and expressing their findings in written or oral format. A student guide that walks students through the data displays is well structured and easy to follow. An answer "sheet" is provided for the instructor. Assessment ideas are included.