Student Research Reports

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The purpose of this project was to explore the relationship between different types of clouds and their effects on the surface temperature of our planet. The project explored low, mid, and high level clouds specifically, and observed their own respective differences. It analyzed multiple surfaces so that we can be sure of trends found on given days in relativity to our Earth. Our project works to answer the question: How does the amount of high, middle and low level clouds present in the sky affect the surface temperature measured? We predicted that if there are lower level clouds present then the surface temperature will be colder because lower level clouds reflect heat from the sun and prevent its rays from getting to the ground. Based on the data shown later in our presentation, we were correct. We performed our experiment using the GLOBE Atmosphere Investigation Cloud Protocol Data Sheet, a thermometer, and a computer to record the data. We can conclude because of our research that low level clouds work to create a colder surface temperature, while high level clouds do the opposite, making a warmer one.