Solar data collected at SERC
Hello!
Yesterday after working on tree identification in the morning, we climbed a tower near the dorms to take a look at some of the solar radiation data that is collected at SERC. UVb radiation, the type responsible for giving you a sun burn can cause large changes in the aquatic environments in the Chesapeake Bay. Data has been collected for the last 30 years at this research center and is one of the longest records of the amount of UVb radiation is reaching the Bay area. In the pictures you will see rain buckets also, these buckets of rain are collected immediately after a rain event and the chemistry of the rainwater is analyzed back in one of the labs. All of the instruments are also connected to computers at the bottom of the tower to record information constantly. The metal spikes are in place to keep large birds (eagles) from nesting on the tower.
Take a look at SERC's Photobiology and Solar Radiation measurement and monitoring methods by clicking here.
posted by Kate Shannon @ 6:28 AM
18 Comments:
Chris H. - SM
I agree with taking the rainwater and analyzing it because it has a enormous effect on the aquatic life.
Amanda G. -SM
How does the radiation affect the water life and what are you looking for in the buckets of rain water?
What does the uvb stuff do to the aquatic environment besides give us a sunburn?
Chris H. - SM
The spikes are a really good defence against the eagles because the eagles could mess up the date.
Are the towers located near every major body of water?
Emily M. - SM
Wow, this really sounds like an intriguing experience!
Yeah, I would have to agree with Chris, it really does have a very harmful effect on the aquatic life.
Lots of good questions! The Chesapeake bay is visible in the distance on the tower, but I am unsure of the exact distance. UVb rays cause sunburn yes, but I don't know what other affects the radiation might have on the aquatic life, I will ask.
The rainwater is analyzed to see what it is composed of and must be taken care of very quickly because it is a delicate material that will change over time as it sits in the bucket. I do not know exactly what chemicals they are tracking. I will work on answers to these for you.
Love the picture of the sun through the trees, your best yet! Hope you are having fun and learning tons!!
Melissa
Is the radiation harmful to the life in the water around the bay?
Lauren L.-SM
What does UVB have to do with water? If it gives us sunburns then what does it do to the water? I just don't understand.
I don't get what UVB rays have to do with water, if they give you a sunburn don't also have something to do with the light?
Big Fat Relyt- SM
would possible bacteria or algae cells ruin the chemical compostion within the water?
Are those towers only for collecting data on UVB radiation?
How often do the towersollect the data?
hey mrs.shannon that tower looks really high and would not be fun to climb. that equiptment your standing with we learned about monday or tuesday in class from your guest.By the way how tall was the tower?
Connor Martin
Hey Mrs. Shannon! I was wondering what all is in the water that affects the environment?
Does it rain alot where you are at?
How much uv rays can a human body take before it burns
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