4 Manipulate the size of data markers and format X and Y axes

 

Step 1

To change the size of the data markers place the cursor over the blue data and double click. 

 

From the Colors and Lines tab, reduce the size of the markers to 2.

 

 

 

There is an empty area before and after the plotted data that does not need to be on the graph.

Step 2

To remove the empty space place the cursor on the X axis and double click. 

From the Format Data Series dialog box click on Axis.

 

 

 

 

In order to change the range of data on the chart a new minimum and maximum must be entered.

They should be:
Minimum - 36240
Maximum - 36440

(In Excel the date is calculated as a sequential number from Jan. 1st 1904 on a Macintosh, or from 1900 on a PC. When using a scatter graph the serial value, representing the number days from 1900, or 1904, needs to be changed.)

The completed chart should look like the one below. You may want to save your excel file and print a copy to answer the Introductory Lesson questions.

Question: Questions: Use the Albedo graph you have just created to answer the following questions.

Question 1. Why is the albedo higher in the month of April compared to the summer months?

Roll-over for Answer:

There is still snow on the ground, which has high reflectivity.

Question 2. What is the approximate albedo from May 10th through July 10?

Roll-over for Answer:

Answers will vary. They should be near 0.14.

Question3. What is the approximate albedo from August to the beginning of October?

Roll-over for Answer:

Answers will vary. They should be near 0.07.

Question 4. At the end of October why do think the albedo increased?

Roll-over for Answer:

It has snowed.

Question5. What can the decrease in albedo have on the ground temperature?

Roll-over for Answer:

The decrease in albedo following a fire or other event removing vegetation can increase the amount of solar radiation absorbed by the ground thus increasing ground temperature.

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