MindScapes

Campus Geography and Microclimate Activity

 

This activity will lead you through an analysis of campus geography and microclimates.

 

Materials:

 

  1. This activity sheet
  2. pencil
  3. compass
  4. GPS
  5. Temperature / Humidity Tester
  6. hand anemometer

 

I.  DATA AQUISISITON

 

Procedure:  You will be divided into groups and given specific data gathering responsibilities.  Record your data below at the appropriate location.  Use the attached map to assist you; label the map with the location letter.

 

Location A:  SW corner CC2 next to rocks at drain (close to rocks as poss.)

 

Time / Date:

Absolute location:

Relative location:

 

Temperature in °F and C°:

Relative Humidity:

Sky cover & direct / indirect sun:

Wind Speed and direction:

Other noteworthy observations:

 

 

 

Location B:  Dead center grassy area at N end of CC2

 

Time / Date:

Absolute location:

Relative location:

 

Temperature in °F and C°:

Relative Humidity:

Sky cover & direct / indirect sun:

Wind Speed and direction:

Other noteworthy observations:

 

 

 

Location C:  At flagpole

 

Time / Date:

Absolute location:

Relative location:

 

Temperature in °F and C°:

Relative Humidity:

Sky cover & direct / indirect sun:

Wind Speed and direction:

Other noteworthy observations:

 

 

 

Location D:  Grove of 4 tree W of ancestors

 

Time / Date:

Absolute location:

Relative location:

 

Temperature in °F and C°:

Relative Humidity:

Sky cover & direct / indirect sun:

Wind Speed and direction:

Other noteworthy observations:

 

 

 

Location E:  Under S sky bridge

 

Time / Date:

Absolute location:

Relative location:

 

Temperature in °F and C°:

Relative Humidity:

Sky cover & direct / indirect sun:

Wind Speed and direction:

Other noteworthy observations:

 

 

 

Location F:  NE corner of North Creek Café (elevated)

 

Time / Date:

Absolute location:

Relative location:

 

Temperature in °F and C°:

Relative Humidity:

Sky cover & direct / indirect sun:

Wind Speed and direction:

Other noteworthy observations:

 

 

 

Location G:  UW 2 stairwell @ N exit

 

Time / Date:

Absolute location:

Relative location:

 

Temperature in °F and C°:

Relative Humidity:

Sky cover & direct / indirect sun:

Wind Speed and direction:

Other noteworthy observations:

 

 

 

Location H:  Picnic bench S of fenced dumpsters

 

Time / Date:

Absolute location:

Relative location:

 

Temperature in °F and C°:

Relative Humidity:

Sky cover & direct / indirect sun:

Wind Speed and direction:

Other noteworthy observations:

 

 

 

Location I:  Driveway entrance Truly House

 

Time / Date:

Absolute location:

Relative location:

 

Temperature in °F and C°:

Relative Humidity:

Sky cover & direct / indirect sun:

Wind Speed and direction:

Other noteworthy observations:

 

 

 

Location J:  NW corner, surface parking, @ stop sign

 

Time / Date:

Absolute location:

Relative location:

 

Temperature in °F and C°:

Relative Humidity:

Sky cover & direct / indirect sun:

Wind Speed and direction:

Other noteworthy observations:

 

 

 

Location K:  E corner of S parking garage

 

Time / Date:

Absolute location:

Relative location:

 

Temperature in °F and C°:

Relative Humidity:

Sky cover & direct / indirect sun:

Wind Speed and direction:

Other noteworthy observations:

 

 

 

 

 

Location L:  E bench at Chase house

 

Time / Date:

Absolute location:

Relative location:

 

Temperature in °F and C°:

Relative Humidity:

Sky cover & direct / indirect sun:

Wind Speed and direction:

Other noteworthy observations:

 

 

 

Location M:  on trail, under 522 (not on map)

 

Time / Date:

Absolute location:

Relative location:

 

Temperature in °F and C°:

Relative Humidity:

Sky cover & direct / indirect sun:

Wind Speed and direction:

Other noteworthy observations:

 

 

 

Location N:  Intersection of access trail and main trail @ lily pad drawing

 

Time / Date:

Absolute location:

Relative location:

 

Temperature in °F and C°:

Relative Humidity:

Sky cover & direct / indirect sun:

Wind Speed and direction:

Other noteworthy observations:

 

 

 

 

 

Location O:  Experimental station (been with green pots) across from Blue Heron drawing

 

Time / Date:

Absolute location:

Relative location:

 

Temperature in °F and C°:

Relative Humidity:

Sky cover & direct / indirect sun:

Wind Speed and direction:

Other noteworthy observations:

 

 

 

Location P:  Intersection of main trail and trail to boardwalk

 

Time / Date:

Absolute location:

Relative location:

 

Temperature in °F and C°:

Relative Humidity:

Sky cover & direct / indirect sun:

Wind Speed and direction:

Other noteworthy observations:

 

 

 

Location Q:  On boardwalk at wetland border

 

Time / Date:

Absolute location:

Relative location:

 

Temperature in °F and C°:

Relative Humidity:

Sky cover & direct / indirect sun:

Wind Speed and direction:

Other noteworthy observations:

 

 

 

 

Location R:  End of boardwalk

 

Time / Date:

Absolute location:

Relative location:

 

Temperature in °F and C°:

Relative Humidity:

Sky cover & direct / indirect sun:

Wind Speed and direction:

Other noteworthy observations:

 

 

 

Location S:  SW Intersection of main trail and trail to N. parking garage

 

Time / Date:

Absolute location:

Relative location:

 

Temperature in °F and C°:

Relative Humidity:

Sky cover & direct / indirect sun:

Wind Speed and direction:

Other noteworthy observations:

 

 

 

Location T:  SE corner N parking garage

 

Time / Date:

Absolute location:

Relative location:

 

Temperature in °F and C°:

Relative Humidity:

Sky cover & direct / indirect sun:

Wind Speed and direction:

Other noteworthy observations:

 

 

 

II. ANALYSIS

 

You will be supplied with two additional maps.  On one, write in the temperature data in Celsius nest to each location.  On the other, write in the relative humidity data.  If it seems useful, draw in isotherms on the temperature map and isohumes (instructor will provide explanation).

 

1.  Describe the temperature and humidity variations on campus.  Is the campus uniform in either or both?  Is there a pattern to these variations? 

 

2.  What factors might influence the variations?  Refer to the other collected data and “noteworthy observations.”

 

3.  Can you identify any specific microclimates on campus?  If so, for each, hypothesize as to what creates them.

 

4.  Extrapolate what you have learned to the regional and global scales.  What are the predominate factors that affect climate?

 

5.  Reflect on this experience.  What new information have you learned?  Has participating in the exercise affected any prior knowledge?  Is your world view any different now?