In the photo above, Earthwatch teammate James and I are analyzing white spruce tree seedings to determine seedling success in a stressed environment. (I am entering data into a field computer.) Churchill is truly a stressed environment as evidenced by the Krummholz "ing" of the trees. To put this more simply, I have noticed the trees here look like flags blowing in the wind. Stressed trees!!! I also noticed this same phenomenon last summer in the high elevation areas of Wyoming.
I have learned so much today, and I couldn't be happier! I am networking with some of the finest middle school teachers in the country! One of my fellowship obligations is the development of an original lesson plan. I was inspired about a climate change study involving parasites living on frog species! Leave it to me to be able to turn a trip to the arctic into more herpetology for seventh graders! (My seventh graders know that HERPS RULE!!!!) Thanks for following me. Ask questions!
This really isn't a scientific question but what else are you going to be studying? What about the ponds in the picture?
ReplyDeleteI have a question....Who was your fabulous photographer that snapped that great picture with the LEWS on your profile page. Oh wait, that was me, hee hee. We want to see a picture of these giant mosquitos up there. We realize they are not really the size of cardinals, but I am curious about them since you say it is cold & we have no mosquitos here when it is cold. What is the temp. by the way. I am very excited to hear about the frogs with parasites. Is it causing them to have deformities like the ones here? Are they wood frogs or are there other frogs that can withstand the cold temps. Are there any snakes? If it never gets dark there in the summer, does the sun just dip low & kiss the horizon on the summer solstace? So proud of you! From Kim Harvey
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