Visibility - Air Pollution: What's the Solution?

Particulate Matter Lessons -> Core -> Visibility

Visibility

--> How does regional haze form and reduces visibility?

In this activity, you will explain how regional haze forms and reduces visibility, explain the difference between smog and haze, and list some of the negative economic impacts regional haze can create.

Student Worksheet

Using the National Park Service Web Cams, select three National Park links and record the following information on the Student Worksheet:
- Location of Park
- Time and Date of photo
- Visual Range at the time of photo
- Pollutant data
- Weather conditions - weather conditions and fog can also reduce visibility
Select one of your three Park links from above and select "Archived Views" for that Park . From the left toolbar, select 2 images from the archives. Record the following information on the Student Worksheet:
- Location of Park
- Time and Date of photo
- Visual Range at time of photo
Create a Public Service Announcement or flyer that could be distributed to visitors to National Parks. Information should include:
- List reasons why visibility can be reduced.
- Some of the negative economic impacts regional haze can create.
- Explain how regional haze reduces visibility.
- How to gain access to and understand real time air quality data.
  
  Helpful Resources:
- What is Visibility Impairment?
- Causes of Poor Visibility
- Links to all National Parks (click on "Facts" for visitor information)
- "Hazy Days in Our Parks" - Smithsonian Magazine, June 2005

EPA | NESCAUM | CIESE | Stevens Institute of Technology