Figure 1: This screenshot shows the controlling page for running model animations. The boxes indicate areas for which zoomed in animations are available. The images at right are individual frames from temperature and salinity animations.

1
Creating Partnerships Between Researchers,
Teachers and Students Comparing Model Output to
Data Collected by Field Trips on Puget Sound.
Christian P. Sarason1, Frederick R. (Fritz)
Stahr1, and Mitsuhiro Kawase2 1Ocean Inquiry
Project, P.O. Box 23189, Seattle, WA 98102
2School of Oceanography, University of
Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 email
info_at_oceaninquiry.org
Model vs. Field Data
Animation Frames
Introduction
Puget Sound is a complicated estuary and an
excellent place to learn about oceanographic
concepts. Since 1999, Ocean Inquiry Project (OIP)
has involved introductory level students in
field-based research experiences on Puget Sound.
OIP participants are primarily community college
oceanography students, who sample a number of
monitoring stations using a CTD, plankton nets,
secchi disk, etc. Recently, OIP created a
web-based system for exploring a numerical model
of Puget Sound (POM model by M. Kawase, Univ. of
Washington) as part of a partnership program
called the Puget Sound Marine Environmental
Modeling (PSMEM) group. During the Spring of
2003, OIP used a variety of computer simulations
in concert with field-based oceanographic
activities. Figures 1 and 2 show a comparison of
model runs for OIP cruise 39, a field trip run
with University of Washington, Tacoma,
oceanography students. For an excellent summary
of their field efforts, see http//courses.washin
gton.edu/uwtoce03/. When fully implemented, our
computer-based and field-based curricula will be
evaluated to see which approach, or combination,
helps students learn best about Puget Sound and
oceanography our first study designed to test
this question is slated to begin in Fall Quarter
of 2003.
Temperature (C)
Figure 2 Plots of temperature and salinity vs.
depth for both field data collected with OIPs
CTD and model data for the same day. Stations 1
to 3 form an east west line across the mouth of
Commencement Bay (see Figure 1.) Station 1 is
located on the western edge of Commencement Bay
station 3 is on the east side. Model data was
created by averaging temperature and salinity
values at each depth for the entire day
corresponding to the field data (May 9, 2003).
The error bars shown are 1 standard deviation for
this time period, and as expected are largest
near the surface. Error bars for the salinity
model data are roughly the size of the point
plotted. Field data was collected and worked up
by University of Washington, Tacoma, Oceanography
students on OIP Cruise 39. Discrepancies between
model and field data are most likely a result of
the boundary condition applied at the mouth of
Puget Sound year 2000 data was used, which may
not be historically representative.
Field Stations
EBB
SLACK
FLOOD
Salinity (psu)
Figure 1 This screenshot shows the controlling
page for running model animations. The boxes
indicate areas for which zoomed in animations are
available. The images at right are individual
frames from temperature and salinity animations.
Ocean Inquiry Project Concept
Future Directions
RESEARCH COMMUNITY NEEDS
EDUCATION COMMUNITY NEEDS
OIP students collect data in the field send to
bloodstream
PSMEM models assimilate data into next model run
Validation of Models
Stimulating Science Experiences
Water Quality Monitoring
CTD cast
Positive Science Experiences
source
sink
Learning through Inquiry
Outreach and Public Education
Historical data
Teaching Opportunities for Graduate Students
Field Experiences
Model and Data integration through Environmental
Informatics Bloodstream
Secchi Depth Measurements
Interaction with Scientists
Historical data
Hands-on Learning
Increased sampling resolution in time and space
Multi-disciplinary Learning Experiences
Watch for Invasive Species
OIP students view latest model results adjust
sampling plans for the future accordingly
sink
Model run
source
Model run
CTD cast
Catalyst OIP
Teachers can view latest model runs in class
before getting into the field.
XML tagged environmental data
sink
PSMEM models send model ouput to bloodstream
Stir Well
Ocean Inquiry Project is a 501(c)(3) organization
and all donations are tax deductible. We are
seeking project funds, ship time,
instrumentation, and a vessel. For more
information about our programs please see our web
site at http//www.oceaninquiry.org/ This work
is supported by NOPP grant number
N00014-02-1-0502. Many thanks to Cheryl
Greengrove and her students at UW, Tacoma for
their excellent work.