Solar Storms and You!
Activity 2: Sunspot Activity and Ocean Temperature
Scientists have found that there is a possible correlation between the
average ocean temperature and the solar sunspot activity. By comparing
the results from the data that has been collected since the 1800's to the
present, scientists have found a possible pattern. For example, there are
many instances when the average ocean surface temperature and the sunspot
activity were at a high or low at about the same time. The source of the
controversy is that there are also times in which the correlation is not
Students will analyze and compare two graphs to determine if there is a
correlation between solar activity and ocean temperature.
Group students into either pairs or teams of four. Read the introduction
to the students concerning the current controversy.
Review with the students an example of how the graphs may be similar
and different. Be sure to mention shape, distribution, highs, lows, scale,
axis, and time frame.
Provide the students with sufficient time to compare the two graphs.
A transparency, for overlay purposes, may be useful.
Have the groups present their findings to the class. Some of the
groups will argue that the highs and the lows of the ocean temperature
correlate to the sunspot cycle. Other groups may not see a relationship,
and still others may say that there is a relationship in some areas, but
not in others, which leads to incomplete conclusions. This is precisely
why the controversy exists. Note: The start date for each of the graphs
is not the same year. Students will need to locate the appropriate year
to begin the comparison.
Sunspot: A dark spot on the Sun's surface indicating intense magnetic
activity and solar storms. It indicates a cooler temperature.
Sunspot Cycle: The change in the rise and fall of sunspot numbers
over a roughly 11 - year cycle.
Explain that the relationship between the sunspot cycle and the ocean temperature
has not been proven or disproved. However, there seems to be a grudging
consensus that there is something going on between the two. Note: The ocean
temperature data is based on over 80 million measurements made by hundreds
of ships that every hour, dumped a bucket overboard to collect sea water.
Related Web Resources
Visit the climate and weather resources at the
Satellite Data web site at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center to view
satellite observations of hurricanes and other Earth views from space
Consider using the sun spot data to search for correlations with other types
of climate. For example, compare the sunspot cycles against the numbers of
recorded hurricanes, tornadoes or El Nino episodes to see if sun spots might
cause more 'extreme weather' conditions. If you visit the Web, and search
under 'El Nino', 'Hurricanes' or 'Tornadoes' you will find sites that give
historical data as to when they happened. You might also consider comparing
sun spot cycles against rainfall measurements from a specific locality over
the course of 100 years. It may be necessary to average the data into weekly
or monthly averages in order to look for any patterns.
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This activity was developed by the NASA, IMAGE/POETRY
Teacher and Student Consortium.
For more information, and a list of other resources, visit