Climate and Land Cover Project

The next Climate and Land Cover Intensive Observing Period runs

1-31 July 2012

Download the Teacher's Participation Guide here

Purpose

To involve students in short-term and long-term scientific studies focused on climate and land cover near their school and in comparisons with schools across the globe as a contribution to scientific research and modeling efforts of scientists.

Overview

The Climate and Land Cover Intensive Observing Period is a research effort between GLOBE schools and climate scientists to improve land cover classifications for climate models. Using GLOBE land cover protocols, students take photographs and classify representative land cover areas near their schools and upload these data to the GLOBE database. These data can be used by students to compare land cover around the world and will be used by scientists to improve land cover classifications for climate models.

Timing

Although photographs can be taken and uploaded at any time throughout the year, land cover scientists have identified key times that are representative of the peak seasonal conditions for vegetation. This peak time will vary across latitude and continents depending on factors such as climate variability, proximity to water, elevation, topography, and other conditions like drought or impacts due to extreme events. To enable schools to participate during periods with the most representative seasonal vegetation where maximum participation can occur, the following focused intensive observing periods (IOPs) for Climate and Land Cover have been designated, beginning October 2011:

	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul
Climate and Land Cover		X			X			X			X

What to do and how to do it

1. Collect land cover data and site photographs

Identify and establish a representative Land Cover Study Site, if your school has not previously established a study site. Refer to the Sample Site Selection and Set-up guide for information regarding identification and establishment of a land cover site that is representative of local land cover.
Follow the Land Cover Sample Site Protocol directions for collecting land cover data and record data on the Land Cover Investigation: Sample Site Data Sheet. High quality, labeled, site photographs of uniform and representative sites are particularly important for the CLC project!
Use the Modified UNESCO Classification MUC Field Guide to classify the land cover at your site.

2. Report data to the GLOBE database

Sign In using your school's Classic ID and Password.
Navigate to the GLOBE Data Entry portal.
Mouse over the "Land Cover/Biology" tab and select the "Define a Land Cover/Biology Sample Site" data entry page.
Select either "Define a New Site" or an existing site from the list of existing sites for your school. (Note: If you're submitting new photos for an existing site, for example one you used in a previous IOP, you'll be directed to a page asking you why you're updating this site, and so make sure to select "Updating information because conditions have changed" to get you to the page to enter the new photos)
Fill in (or update) the data form as directed and select "Send Data".
Upload your Site Photos via the link on the bottom of the "Your input has passed system checks!" confirmation page.
- Please note that your image must be no larger than 5 MB and one of the following file types: .png, .jpg, .gif, .tiff, .pjpeg, .x-png

3. View land cover data and site photographs

View your school's land cover data, as well as land cover data from all other GLOBE schools in Google Earth via any of the following three methods.
1. Browser-based Google Earth
2. Download a Google Earth KML file and open in Google Earth
3. Create a "Network Link" in Google Earth by adding http://globe.gov/sites/photos.kml as a Network Link in Google Earth

4. Apply and extend your knowledge

Need help?

Email Science if you have questions about the Climate and Land Cover IOP or need help completing the project.