London
Schools watch the pollution in London
London schools are taking readings from their weather stations to help OPAL researchers and Imperial College monitor the air pollution from the capital.
On Tuesday 16 June, and also Thursday 18 and Friday 19 June, researchers are making intensive measurements of the particulate pollution produced by London.
An aircraft with dedicated scientific instruments will fly around the edge of the city, measuring the air pollution and particles being transported out of London by the atmosphere. These measurements are being made all around the M25.
Imperial College, in South Kensington, is measuring the amount of solar radiation that is able to penetrate through London's atmosphere to the ground.
This will show researchers how much pollution from particles there is in central London, and how much there is around the edge of London. To fill in the gaps - the areas between central London and the M25 - OPAL is asking London schools to analyse data from their weather stations to help us.
How your school can take part
If your school would like to get involved, please download the files below and follow the instructions. There are some simple calculations to do, but these don’t need to be completed straight away - and as long as you have readings for 16, 18 or 19 June you can join in up to a month after these dates.
Secondary schools:
Primary schools:
For more information about taking part please contact Claire McConnell on c [dot] mcconnell [at] imperial [dot] ac [dot] uk
London - join in nature activities and learn more about our climate
Discover our urban climate
We want to improve our understanding of urban weather and climate.
At Imperial College, London we are developing a model to predict the impact of climate change on people, cities and ecosystems.
We have placed weather stations throughout London to help test this model with real observations. You can view readings from these stations in real time.
Get involved with OPAL London:
We organise many talks and activities that you can join in. They are a great way to learn more about climate, the issues we face and the action you can take.
Weather and climate talks
We give fun presentations on weather and climate change to schools and groups of all ages. If you'd be interested in arranging a talk, just email n.sparks07@imperial.ac.uk.
See photos from previous OPAL events.
Discover more about clouds and win £25
What are the different types of cloud and how are they formed? Watch our short film about clouds and answer a few questions for your chance to win £25.
Take part in an OPAL activities and national surveys
Learn more about our environment by taking part in the OPAL national surveys. If you'd lke to receive a survey pack or are interested in us helping with a surveying event, email n.sparks07@imperial.ac.uk.
We also run a number of free nature and wildlife activities that you can get involved in. Get in touch to find out more.
What is the weather like near you?
See detailed information from our weather stations in real time. Simply select your local area from the site list.
Contact us
n.sparks07@imperial.ac.uk
Upcoming events
4-5 February 2012 - Hoverfly Identification Course, 10.00-17.00
Location: Angela Marmont Centre, Natural History Museum, London
Discover the fascinating world of hoverflies with experts from the Hoverfly Recording Scheme. Tea and coffee will be provided but please bring lunch, or use the Museum cafes. There will be a charge of £10-£15 to cover the travel expenses of the course leaders. For more details and to book a place contact Hannah Cornish, h.cornish@nhm.ac.uk.
OPAL London is led by Imperial College, London
London partners: Horniman Museum, air pollution research forum APRIL and the Royal Meteorological Society
