Real World: JASON-2
Learn how global warming and rising sea levels are connected and explore how instruments aboard NASA’s JASON satellites have measured changes in ocean surface height. The JASON-2 mission collected valuable ocean data from June 20, 2008, until October 1, 2019, when a power system failure ended the mission. Building on this work, JASON-3 launched on January 17, 2016 with upgraded technology that provides even more precise measurements of ocean surface topography.
Discussion and writing prompts
1. The ocean’s surface is not perfectly flat, and sea level can change over time and from place to place. Why is it important for scientists to measure sea level across the entire planet rather than at only a few locations? Explain how satellite measurements can help scientists identify large-scale patterns in ocean height. Describe why collecting data over many years is important for distinguishing long-term changes from short-term events.
2. JASON-2 collects measurements from space, but scientists must analyze and interpret the data before they can understand what the measurements mean. How do mathematics and technology work together to help scientists study changes in Earth’s oceans?
3. Changes in sea level can affect coastal communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure. Why is it important to understand and prepare for changes that may occur gradually over many years? Imagine you are advising leaders in a coastal community. Use information from the video to explain how satellite data could help the community plan for future sea-level changes. Recommend one action the community could take and explain how it could reduce risks to people or the environment.
Background Information
Grades 3 through 8
- NASA Space Place The Greenhouse Effect (webpage)
- NASA Space Place in a Snap: What Causes Sea Level Rise? (video)
- NASA Kids How Do We Measure Sea Level? (webpage)
- NASA Kids Mission: Jason-3 (webpage)
- NASA Kids How Are Earth’s Ocean and Climate Connected? (webpage)
Grades 3 through 12
- NASA Earth Minute: Sea Level Rise (video)
Grades 6 through 8
- GLOBE Atmosphere - Surface Temperature (webpage)
- NASA Kids What Is the Greenhouse Effect? (webpage)
Grades 6 through 12
- NASA Climate Change (webpage)
Grades 9 through 12
- NASA Sea Level Change Portal (webpage)
- NOAA Climate Change: Global Sea Level (webpage)
- NASA JPL Ocean Surface Topography From Space (webpage)
- NASA JPL Ocean Surface Topography From Space Education (webpage)
Activities
Grades 3 through 8
- NASA What's Causing Sea-Level Rise? Land Ice Vs. Sea Ice (webpage)
Grades 3 through 12
- My NASA Data Featured Lessons: Sea Level Rise (webpage)
Grades 4 through 12
- NASA How Warming Water Causes Sea Level Rise (webpage)
Grades 5 through 12
- NASA Eyes on Earth: Sea Level (interactive)
- NASA Lessons in Sea Level Rise (webpage)
- NASA Climate Time Machine (interactive)
Grades 6 through 12
- NASA JPL Virtual Earth System Laboratory: Sea Level (interactive)
- My NASA Data Featured Mini Lessons: Sea Level Rise (webpage)
Grades 9 through 12
- My NASA Data Data Jigsaw: Exploring Sea Level Rise with Others (webpage)