The Unusually Red Sky

Case Introduction
Welcome, detectives! Everything you need to get started in your investigation is at your fingertips! Click the links below to learn the problem situation, your role, and the criteria for the case. Be sure to review the steps in the problem-solving process!

Here's the Situation!
Curiosity and concern is brewing in Washington as scarlet red skies fall upon the capital for the second week in a row. The red sky phenomenon has appeared both in the morning and at night. The initial reactions to the sky's appearance were of wonder, yet now reports of decreased air quality and news of the increasing ozone hole over Antarctica have raised red flags in many circles. Environmental activist groups are beginning to set up daily demonstrations outside the capital, and citizens are flooding the Environmental Protection Agency with calls of concern.

The Office of Environmental Management has reviewed reports from various agencies and has determined that action must be taken immediately. The President must be informed of the current situation and given a plan of action. Citizens must also be educated about any local or global environmental issues that surround this phenomenon. To satisfy the President and the citizens, an in-depth investigation is expected to include opinions from the fields of meteorology, atmospheric science, geology, and physics. This is where you come in!

Your Role in the Case!
You have been selected by the environmental advisory committee to be a part of the investigative team. The committee has arranged for the use of a fully equipped laboratory and a state of the art library, complete with internet connections. You are to work with the other scientists to determine the cause of the unusually red skies and report your findings as soon as possible.

Meteorologist - studies the atmosphere, weather patterns, and trends in the global climate

Duties include

• monitoring pollution from traffic and industry
• monitoring rainfall patterns and weather radar
• monitoring weather systems and atmospheric patterns from weather satellites
• using scientific equipment to study the atmosphere
• using computer models of the atmosphere to estimate future conditions
• analyzing past climates and predict climate trends

Atmospheric Scientist - studies the Earth's atmosphere and the ways it affects the environment

Duties include

• monitoring pollution from traffic and industry
• monitoring rainfall patterns and weather radar
• monitoring weather systems and atmospheric patterns from weather satellites
• using scientific equipment to study the atmosphere
• using computer models of the atmosphere to estimate future conditions of the atmosphere
• analyzing past climates and predicting climate trends
• analyzing the effect that solar flares and changes in the Sun have on the atmosphere, weather, and climate
• studying the greenhouse effect and the El Nino effect
• studying the effects the atmosphere has on light, sound, and radio waves
• studying the make up of the atmosphere by collecting air samples by using planes and ships in the polar regions, deserts, and mountains
• researching how clouds may change because of air and ocean pollution
• giving policy advice to governments and industries on the effects of air pollution, climate, and climate changes on land-based industries and other sectors of the economy

Geologist - studies the origin, physical nature, structure, and history of the Earth

Duties include

• investigating the internal structure of the Earth
• studying Earth processes such as the formation of soils, rocks, and faults
• examining rocks, minerals, and fossils
• using geological research to locate oil, natural gas, water, and minerals
• surveying land and sea to help prepare geological maps
• writing reports and drawing maps
• writing research papers and reporting on study results
• giving advice on land use and how to manage natural resources
• giving advice on risks from volcanoes, earthquakes, and other natural hazards

Physicist - studies the properties and interactions of matter and energy in all their forms (solid, liquid, gas, and plasma) Duties include

• conducting experiments with radiation, light, sound, heat, electricity, and magnetism
• conducting experiments to test and prove ideas and help develop new ideas
• designing, building, and testing experimental equipment and instruments
• writing reports on study results and presenting talks at conferences

The Criteria for the Case
Excellent cooperation skills and a team effort are required to solve this problem. The problem-solving team must

• take into consideration the findings of each scientist (meteorologist, atmospheric scientist, geologist, and physicist).
• develop a plan of action.
• keep a journal that includes investigated questions, important issues, and resources in the Problem Log provided.
• use four or more sources (internet sites, CD-ROM, textbooks, books, etc.).
• produce a final product that informs the committee about the causes of the unusually red skies and the effects on the local and global environment.

The Office of Environmental Management has collected resources to help the team get started in the investigation, but feel free to use additional resources as needed.