Learners will explore the causes and effects of space weather and how NASA studies it.

This mini lesson engages students in watching a NASA video related to accumulated dust that makes the trans-Atlantic journey from the Sahara Desert to the Amazon rainforest using NASA's CALIPSO satellite. Students will examine a model and answer questions related to dust transport and the introduction of phosphorus to the soils of the Amazon.

Students examine satellite images of a recently formed island to identify areas of erosion and deposition.

This investigation is part of the NASA: Mission Geography Module "What are the causes and consequences of climate change?" that guides students through explorations in climatic variability and evidence for global climate change. 

Use the AirNow.gov website to determine current air quality in US locations, as well as other information.