Altitude and Elevation *
*Note: This is an abbreviated Project Idea, without notes to start your background research, a specific list of materials, or a procedure for how to do the experiment. You can identify abbreviated Project Ideas by the asterisk at the end of the title. If you want a Project Idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk.
Abstract
As you move up or down in altitude or elevation, the temperature and pressure will change. This is particularly striking if you live near a mountain range. During the summer, at low altitudes you may have temperatures in the 80's or 90's and still be able to see snow on mountain peaks at high altitude. You can test the effect of altitude by comparing temperature data from weather stations at high and low altitudes. You can test the effect of elevation by making your own weather balloon and sending it up to measure temperature and pressure at different heights as measured by a string. You could also have your parents drive you through the mountains and measure the temperature and pressure as you increase in elevation. (FI, 2006; GLOBE, 2006; NCAR, 2006; NOAA, 2006; Unisys, 2006; Weather Underground, 2006; WMO, 2006)Share your story with Science Buddies!
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Last edit date: 2013-01-10
Bibliography
- FI, 2006. "Franklin's Forecast," The Franklin Institute. [accessed: 3/1/2006] http://www.fi.edu/weather/.
- GLOBE, 2006. "The GLOBE Program: Measurements: Protocols," GLOBE, managed jointly by UCAR and CSU. [accessed: 3/1/2006] http://globe.gov/fsl/html/templ.cgi?measpage〈=en&nav=1
- NCAR, 2006. "NCAR Science and Education Outreach Page," National Center for Atmospheric Research. [accessed: 3/1/2006]
http://eo.ucar.edu/. - NOAA, 2006. "NOAA Homepage," National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. [accessed: 3/1/2006] http://www.noaa.gov/.
- Unisys Corp, 2006. "Unisys Weather," Blue Bell, PA. [accessed: 3/9/2006] http://weather.unisys.com/.
- The Weather Underground, Inc, 2005. "The Weather Underground," Ann Arbor, MI. [accessed: 12/13/05] http://www.wunderground.com/.
- WMO, 2006. "World Meteorological Organization," WMO, United Nations. [accessed: 3/1/2006] http://www.wmo.ch/index-en.html.
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