Natural Science Subjects

Dive in to science subjects and see what we are learning from parks.

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  Clean air

  Air Quality

  Clean, clear air can help you appreciate spectacular scenery. Learn more about how air clarity can be affected by pollution.

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  science of the changing planet

  Climate Change

  Understanding global climate trends and projections is critically important when planning for the future of the vast National Park System.

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  science of past life

  Fossils and Paleontology

  Fossils are evidence of ancient life. Fossils found in parks span every period of geologic time.

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  Geologic Wonders

  Geology

  The science of geology will help you to better understand park scenery and Earth systems.

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  Long-term science

  Inventory & Monitoring

  Inventory & Monitoring provides long-term condition and trend as well as science to understand ecosystems.

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  Acoustic Science

  Natural Sounds

  Through sound monitoring, we can learn about the acoustic environment and identify desirable natural sounds and sources of noise pollution.

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  The Science of Light

  Night Skies

  Learning more about the science of light and human vision will help us understand the value and fragility of natural lightscapes.

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  People in Parks

  Social Science

  Social science in the National Park Service helps us understand how parks provide benefit to people and how to best manage use.