Resources

Find local radar and satellite maps via a clickable US map, and view weathercams in many cities.

Learn about scientific research and conservation efforts on the Galapagos Islands.

This site is a graphically rich exploration of the effects of El Niño, with a quiz to test your El Niño knowledge.

Check out the constantly updated data maps on sea surface height deviation, sea surface temperature, and global distribution of atmospheric water vapor.

Here you'll find a list of books, organizations, and Web sites on tree-ring research.

Learn about the principles of dendrochronology, the basic supplies needed to do tree ring research, and the software used to analyze tree ring data.

Learn about the three-dimensional computer models of the earth's climate system developed by the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies.

Find out how NASA is developing ways to discover patterns in climate that will allow us to predict and respond to environmental events before they occur.

Check out the near real-time images and data from a NOAA ship that services the TAO array of moored buoys spanning equatorial Pacific.

A comprehensive source of El Niño information, including answers to frequently asked questions and links to satellite data, El El Niño observing systems, and climate forecasts.

Here you'll find an overview of the history of the study of El El Niño and examples of how weather predictions can be used to help farmers deal with its effects.

The Experimental Climate Prediction Center offers information on previous El Niños, El Niño research efforts, and how climate predictions are made.

Find out how to predict your property from flooding and listen to the Real Audio interviews about El Niño safety and preparedness issues.

See first-hand online scientific data of El Niño in Southern California as recorded by a Piper Seneca III aircraft.

Listen to NPR's "Science Friday" program in which scientists and callers discuss the possible effects of El Niño; presented in "RealAudio."

Check out this useful page of links to other El Niño web sites.

SKYWARN is a national network of volunteer severe weather spotters. Volunteers are asked to report whenever certain criteria are met, such as when one inch of rain has fallen, a thunderstorm is producing hail, or trees have been blown down. The reports are combined with radar and satellite data to determine what the storms will do next. Amateur radio plays a big role in the SKYWARN program. Two thirds of volunteers are licensed amateur radio operators. During severe weather, amateur radio volunteers operate a radio station at a SKYWARN office. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old, be able to observe weather (though no instruments are required) and have access to a telephone to call in reports. Volunteers must take a 3-hour training class that teaches the basics of how SKYWARN operates, how to spot severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, what to report, how to report, and when. At the end of the class, volunteers are given a special SKYWARN ID card with reporting instructions. There is no cost for the class. Spotters receive a semi-annual newsletter that discusses recent severe weather events and what's new in the program.

To find out about the next training class in your area, call you local National Weather Service Forecast Office, or check out the Web site at the address above.