In response to an Announcement of Opportunity for the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment Program (GLOBE) this project is designed to meet GLOBE goals and objectives of linking scientists and schoolchildren in a global information network with the ultimate goal of better understanding Earth's environment and changes that take place within it. This proposal consists of various segments addressing GLOBE Program needs: support for existing protocols, development of new protocols, and scientific research with GLOBE data. This proposal will support the current set of GLOBE hydrology and snow protocols, strengthen the metadata submission standards, and carry out research in seasonal variation in pH and alkalinity due to snowmelt runoff, climate variability, and land use change. Calibration and validation of remotely sensed data on water transparency will also be pursued. This proposal will also support the development of materials for education that will include hydrology in the context of Earth Systems Science. Scientists, students, and the general public will be able to better understand the role of water in ecosystems and their role in the care of our natural resources.
