Atmosphere Phenomenon

Several times a year, My NASA Data (MND) selects phenomena in each sphere to showcase NASA-related resources. MND is continuously updating new resources as we are improving our collections. Check back for new Earth System phenomena, related lesson plans, maps & data, and GLOBE resources. Don't forget to visit our Search for access to all resources.




Urban Heat Islands
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

An urban heat island is a phenomenon that is best described when a city experiences much warmer temperatures than in nearby rural areas. The sun’s heat and light reach the city and the country in the same way.

Hurricane Dynamics

Hurricanes are the most powerful weather event on Earth. NASA’s expertise in space and scientific exploration contributes to essential services provided to the American people by other federal agencies, such as hurricane weather forecasting.

Changing Air Temperatures

The world's surface air temperature is getting warmer. Whether the cause is human activity or natural changes in the Earth System—and the enormous body of evidence says it’s humans—thermometer readings all around the world have risen steadily since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.