Measurement and Sensing
A fundamental premise of all scientific research is that scientists can make measurements, expressed in precise mathematical terms, of conditions and events. Indeed, some argue that a field of study can only be called a science to the extent that the data being collected can be mathematically measured. These criteria apply to environmental science as they do to other physical and biological sciences.
Measurements serve a number of functions in environmental studies. One is to provide baseline information about certain aspects of the environment. A source of concern to scientists and non-scientists alike is the change that appears to be taking place in the earth's ozone layer. Mounting evidence appears to suggest that, as a result of human activities, the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere seems to be decreasing. That finding is significant because the ozone layer acts as a shield against potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
But how do scientists know that changes are taking place in the ozone layer? Such a conclusion can be drawn only if information exists regarding the "normal" concentrations of ozone in the stratosphere. One purpose of measurements, therefore, is to accumulate a huge volume of information regarding the "normal" condition of the environment.
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