These are datasets you can analyze without collecting your own dataset. You are not limited to these datasets to analyze! There are many more data options out there from reputable sources, but you...

These are datasets you can analyze without collecting your own dataset. You are not limited to these datasets to analyze! There are many more data options out there from reputable sources, but you need to confirm these sources with your lab instructor before you dive into analysis. For each dataset, you will have options about the type of data you download, e.g., average monthly or annual carbon dioxide concentrations. You will need to justify your decision for selecting a particular dataset. That is, why does it interest you?

Pick one topic:

1. 
   

   CO2 concentrations from Mauna Loa.

   
   




• 
  

  Data website: https://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/ccgg/trends/data.html

  
  


• 
  

  Decide which dataset you would like to download (monthly average CO2 or annual average CO2 over
  time)

  
  


• 
  

  Ideas: Have monthly CO2 concentrations changed pre- and post-COVID? How does CO2
  concentration change seasonally?

  
  




2. 
   

   EPA Outdoor Air Quality data

   
   




• 
  

  Data website: https://www.epa.gov/outdoor-air-quality-data/download-daily-data

  
  


• 
  

  Download data for any area in the United States that interests you. Select different time periods to
  compare in your analysis.

  
  


• 
  

  Ideas: In California, how does PM2.5 change between pre- and post-wildfires? How do NO2 in urban
  centers differ from concentrations in more rural areas?

  
  




3. 
   

   Water use in California

   
   




• 
  

  Data website: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ca/nwis/wu

  
  


• 
  

  Click ‘State Data’

  
  


• 
  

  Select ‘All Years’

  
  


• 
  

  Area Type can either be the entire state OR by county

  
  


• 
  

  Category is the user of the water, e.g. domestic or agricultural.

  
  


• 
  

  You determine what types of data you want to compare and contrast (domestic vs. industrial)

  
  


• 
  

  After making these choices, click Submit

  
  


• 
  

  Select ‘Table of Data’ and record the data in Excel

  
  


• 
  

  Ideas: How has California water use between three different sectors (e.g., domestic, agriculture, golf
  courses) changed over time? Is water-use higher across sectors during drought vs. non-drought years?

  
  

Format: 1 page minimum, 12 pt. font, single-space, may use bullet points, diagrams and maps. Including detailed information on each of the following components will result in a strong proposal.

Answer all the Questions:

1. 
   

   Define your research topic (2 pts). How does it relate to Environmental Science? Describe how your research idea relates to specific concepts or themes in GEOG160. Make clear to your instructor how your idea fits within the scope of this course.

   
   


2. 
   

   Develop a research question & hypothesis (2 pts)

   
   




1. 
   

   Relates to Environmental Science

   
   


2. 
   

   Feasible to address given the timeline

   
   


3. 
   

   Clearly identifies independent and dependent variables

   
   


4. 
   

   Draw hypothetical results that would support your hypothesis

   
   




3. 
   

   Study Design (2 pts)
   For students analyzing datasets, use this section to describe which datasets you will use, how you download these data, and the comparisons you plan to make to address your research question.

   
   




1. 
   

   Where and how will you conduct your research? (Data analysis from online data or field research)

   
   


2. 
   

   Site selection – Where does your study take place?

   
   


3. 
   

   Variables – what independent and dependent variables do you plan to measure or analyze?

   
   


4. 
   

   Sampling method – How will you collect data? (if doing field research)

   
   


5. 
   

   Is your proposal feasible (time, resources, data availability, etc.)?

   
   

4. 
   

   Materials (2 pts)

   
   




• 
  

  List what you need to complete your study.

  
  


• 
  

  Are these things available? Especially if doing field research.

  
  




5. 
   

   Timeline & Logistics (2 pts)