Abstract

Using Google Earth, this guide offers a virtual interactive experience in which students can visit and explore glacier environments in 3D. Ryan C. Bell demonstrates how the explosion of satellite imagery and remote sensing technologies has further helped reveal the hidden truths of glacial environments by providing new methods of mapping and measuring glacial ice.

Taking advantage of the recent proliferation in high-resolution satellite imagery, this guide includes a series of satellite images from NASA’s Earth Observatory. By studying these images students will not only start to recognize the patterns and processes commonly found within glacial landscapes, but will also develop skills in map analysis and interpretation. Such guided inquiry activities range from calculating the Mendenhall Glacier’s rate of melting to identifying erosional landforms in the Swiss Alps.

Included within this book is a guided final project in which students have the opportunity to develop and present a Google Earth tour of various glacial landforms, allowing them to “fly” from one location to the next. The volume also reveals how past and present glaciations profoundly influence almost every aspect of life on Earth and can provide answers and solutions to current climate problems.

This interactive guide serves to make glacial systems and landforms more accessible, as students use Google Earth and other satellite imagery to understand the patterns and processes found within glacial environments. Guided inquiry activities range from calculating the Mendenhall Glacier’s rate of melting to identifying erosional landforms in the Swiss Alps. In this way, the guide offers a virtual interactive experience in which students can visit and explore glacial systems and landforms in 3D. Through studying these images the student will not only start to recognize the forms commonly found within glacial landscapes, but also develop skills in map analysis and interpretation.         

“‘Glacial Systems and Landforms’ creates a unique educational experience that incorporates incredible, detailed descriptions in text, as well as a virtual experience which allows students to see present-day images of glaciers and the landscapes the ice has left behind.” —Sean C. Metz, teacher of Earth Science, Brighton High School, New York

“This is an invaluable teaching tool about glaciers, landforms and climate history. It concisely and clearly explains complex material; its chapter reviews highlight critical points; and its Google Earth exercises facilitate excellent experiential learning. I will use this book to prepare my students for their study abroad experience in Antarctica!” —Dr James Spiller, Associate Professor of History, The College at Brockport, State University of New York

Ryan C. Bell teaches Earth Science and AP Environmental Science at Sutherland High School in Pittsford, New York.

“Using Google Earth to analyze a glacier’s erosional and depositional evidence is a powerful tool for student understanding.” —Shawn McNamara, teacher of AP Environmental Science/Earth Science, Grosse Pointe South High School, Michigan