Scientist Report - 11/05/96 update

Hydrology Update, November 5, 1996
Analysis of Phase 1 Data

Dear Students,

We as scientists have so much exciting information to share with you!

During our initial investigations into the GLOBE data set, we saw many examples of data being collected consistantly and carefully. For example, look at this plot of GLOBE data from a school in Arizona. These pH values vary by +/- 0.3 units from an average of 7.5, which is quite common in natural waters. Analysis of these data should be straight forward. Future reports will cover this analysis.

Several other characteristics of the data set are curious to us as GLOBE scientists however, and thats what this report is about.

As scientists, we have noticed several characteristics about a large proportion of the data sets of GLOBE schools. To use a set of data to help answer scientific questions, we must be very sure that what we are seeing in a graph is actually what is going on in the real world. In cases where calibration of instuments is inconsistant, or measurements are not accurately made, the results can be misleading. Below are a series of examples of actual data sets from GLOBE schools. It can be quite interesting to look at the data from other schools. You can see ranges and trends from different sections of the world, and also compare what these other schools found with your own school's data.

With each set of graphs below, scientists from the GLOBE hydrology Investigation have made comments and suggestions about what we think may be occuring at each site. See if your conclusions match what we think may be happening! Afterwards, look at the data from your school and see if you can find examples of any of the inconsistencies you may find here!

Examples of GLOBE data! Check these out!?

Are these data trends real, or is there something ELSE going on?

If you have any questions to ask about the data set and how the analysis is going, feel free to send email to Chris (cgutmann@hwr.arizona.edu) or me (roger@hwr.arizona.edu).

Sincerely,

Roger Bales
Professor of Hydrology & Water Resources
University of Arizona