National Virtual Data System
http://www.nvds.noaa.gov/
The National Virtual Data System is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's online source of data and related products. Visitors can search climate, geophysical, oceanographic, radar, and satellite data by several intuitive means such as keyword, product category, and geographical map, as well as a handy hierarchical regional search. Once found, the data, cd-roms, posters, publications, slides, and other products can be viewed online (if available) or ordered for delivery. Of the many large scale data search and access sites on the Web, the near seamless and glitch-free Virtual Data System is an uncommon delight. [JAB]
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The Passive Microwave Earth Science Information Partner
http://pm-esip.msfc.nasa.gov/
As a collaboration between NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and Remote Sensing Systems, The Passive Microwave Earth Science Information Partner "provides science researchers and users with the capability to interactively customize and receive hydrologic data sets derived from the latest space-based passive microwave instruments". Users can choose information on tropical cyclones; view information on tropical observations; view temperature images; review temperature trends; interactively choose and view data from multiple satellite sensors; and search, order, or download custom and predefined data sets. Researchers and scientists in the earth, atmospheric, and other relevant fields will find this unique collection to be an invaluable resource. [JAB]
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New York State Ambient Air Monitoring System
http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dar/bts/airmon/index.htm
The Ambient Air Monitoring System: Near Real Time Data Web site is presented by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The collected data includes pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and methane among others, as well as all common meteorological data. Records are collected and reported hourly, and can be viewed by parameter or by station, which are located throughout the state. One other interesting link gives the current air quality index for each site, including a qualitative "good," "moderate," or "healthy," as well as various charts and graphs that give the true numbers. For researchers and citizens alike, this site provides important information in a user-friendly and accessible way. [JAB]
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CSIRO Marine Research
http://www.marine.csiro.au/
Offered by Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), CSIRO Marine Research Web site contains multiple levels of valuable information. The organization's mission is to "understand its oceans by conducting research in the sustainable use of Australia's marine resources, the ocean's role in climate, and the effective conservation of the marine ecosystem integrity." Visitors will find current news articles, research material including free modeling software, and various data and related products such as remote sensing information and publications. The strength of the site lies in the adaptability of its offerings to research and researchers around the world. [JAB]
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UM Weather
http://yang.sprl.umich.edu/wxnet/
Sponsored by The Weather Underground at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, UM Weather bills itself as the "Internet's premier source of weather information." The site offers several general audience tools such as the Fast Forecast for any city in the US, ski weather, and weather cams. But, it also provides access to over two dozen weather software packages, a new computer model forecasts page, and most impressively a list of close to 400 other weather related Web sites. Professionals and researchers will appreciate the non-technical feel of the site and the valuable information they can procure from it. [JAB]
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eqndb
http://www.eqndb.com/
The online equation search engine "eqndb" is made possible by Eric Lic Hang Lee. The equations are primarily from college physics and semiconductor physics, but are said to be expanding. The site allows users to search for equations by keyword and/or symbol, eventually rendering a list of related items. Once an item is chosen, the page shows the equation, describes each symbol, sites a reference, and allows users to add it to their "myeqndb" account. This free service of the site lets you add text and change the layout of the equation to suit presentation needs. [JAB]
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The National Academies of Science
http://www.nas.edu/
The National Academies of Science was created in 1863 to advise the US government in scientific and technical matters. The Academy and its sister organizations "provide a public service by working outside the framework of government to ensure independent advice on matters of science, technology, and medicine." The National Academies Web site offers timely news articles and event information, as well as a wide array of reports and publications on various subjects including chemistry, earth science, the environment, physics, space, and more. Visitors of the site can freely view the information and even subscribe to the What's New section to keep on top of the latest knowledge being disseminated. [JAB]
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Frontiers 2002 Research Highlights
http://www.anl.gov/OPA/frontiers/#d
The Frontiers 2002 Research Highlights Web site is presented by the Argonne National Laboratory, which is operated by the University of Chicago for the US Department of Energy. The site contains information about the laboratory and offers a collection of research articles on various topics. The Pieces in the Scientific Excellence link has titles such as "Argonne sets world record for shortest wavelength ever from free-electron laser" and "Did molecular hitchhikers ride a comet to Earth?" The other sections contain material related to the Research Facility itself, such as "More Big Bang for the buck: Argonne physicists demonstrate Wakefield accelerator technology at Argonne" and on Energy and the Environment "Getting the dirt on storing carbon in the soil." Though short, the articles provide insight into the kind of work being performed at the Laboratory, which should be of interest to researchers working in various physical science fields. [JAB]
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