Having attended the 2006 CReSIS Summer Lecture Series, I know and have learned much about CReSIS. I think that by participating in the 2007 Spring Lectures, I will learn even more and become further involved in the works of CReSIS.
CReSIS stands for the Center of Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets. Through research and study, CReSIS is able to deeply study the ice sheets in our world. CReSIS studies the ices sheets for changes, such as melting, which could be linked to global warming. Last year, I found out, through CReSIS, that global warming is a big issue. The ice sheets and glaciers are melting and adding more water to our oceans. As the sea levels rise, low level areas could be underwater in a matter of years. Through CReSIS, students study global warming and inform people that we human beings can do a lot to cut down on pollution causing global warming.
Students working with CReSIS have carried out researches that can be extremely beneficial. For example, I know that several students studied the sea grass in the waters of North Carolina. I also know that other students intensely studied the ages of trees on the campus of ECSU.
Another thing I definitely know about CReSIS, is their use of technology. CReSIS uses various technologies to both conduct and present their researches. Different system, such as GPS, GIS, infrared, and satellites are used. I learned that CReSIS uses the Global Positioning System, or GPS, to identify locations of things and places on the Earth. I know that many people today use GPS, including scientists and those on recreational trips. GIS is short for Geographic Information Systems. CReSIS uses GIS to map out information of certain places in their studies. GIS is not only used for mapping, but it is also used for modeling. CReSIS has used GIS in order to find the effects of a category 5 hurricane going directly through Pasquotank. Another great technology aspect of CReSIS is infrared. When the students studied the ages of trees on the ECSU campus, they used infrared. The infrared technology was used to find the different amounts of chlorophyll, greenness, and the amounts of water in each tree. Through infrared, the students were able to detect which trees were the healthiest.
CReSIS not only use technology and satellite images to study ice sheets, but uses the information collected from expeditions by ECSU students. For example, ECSU was able to send some of their students to explore the effects of global warming in Antarctica. The students conducted hands-on research and learned that global warming in critically affected the ice in Antarctica.
I plan to become further involved in CReSIS by participating in any programs available to me. I can get further involved through the information learned in lectures, and I could maybe even conduct my own research in a few years. Another way I plan to stay and become more advanced in CReSIS is to keep track of new discoveries made. By frequently visiting the CReSIS home page, I will be able to see new and past events, both which will help me become further involved. |
