Workshop 5 (April 29th 2000)

Using Satellite Data to Map the Sea Surface and Sea Floors

Studying the sea surface and deep ocean floors has come a long way from the lead weights on piano wire lowered  over the side of the "HMS Challenger," and even from sonar so widely used since the 1940s.  Today, satellites flying high above the surface can send radar and other beams that reflect off the sea surface and bottom, and can be translated into detail images.   Such satellite data has made possible new understanding of how changes in sea surface temperatures can affect global climates.  They can measure variations in sea surface heights, revealing that the "sea level" is actually far from "level."  They can discover previously-unknown volcanoes and other features lying in the ocean depths.

Dr. Christopher Small will share his expertise in Geophysics and Remote Sensing. His current research involves analyzing seamount volcanism in the southern Indian Ocean using multibeam sonar data and image processing software.

• Instructor: Dr. Christopher Small, LDEO, Columbia University, NY, NY
• Date/Time: April 29, 2000/9:00AM-12:00PM
• Location: Adirondack Community College/Scoville Building
• Audience: Educators (5-12)
• Follow-up: To be arranged with session participants
• AGENDA for Workshop 5
• RESOURCES for Workshop 5
• Photo GALLERY: a collection of photos taken during the workshop.