Monday September 22, 2008

Many students are asking me if I have adapted to the weather in Churchill. I must confess the today is a glorious day. It is 4 degrees Celsius at 8 AM. The air felt warm. I was however dressed in a number of layers which included long johns, a tee shirt, fleece pants, wind pants and my ski jacket with the lining. I had on a neck scarf and a hat. After lunch, when we went back outside, my hat and gloves came off. Right now at 6:30 PM it is 11 degrees Celsius and should go back to to 4 degrees Celsius tonight. I understand that the week before I arrived, it was extremely rainy and snowy.

Question: Do you know the difference between Fahrenheit and Celsius? All measurements in Canada are in the metric system. Can you figure out the temperature in both measurements?

What's the temperature in Brooklyn? How much different is it from where Ms. Gill is staying?

We had a meeting this morning with Steve Mamet, our researcher, to explain the charts we would be using out in the field and learn how to fill them out. We will be doing a lot of measuring, calculating and identification of plant species. One instrument I worked with is called "clinometer".  It seemed easy as I watched other team members work with it, but I felt  like I had two left feet.I understand the concept (measuring the height of a tree) but actually using it took eye coordination. One task is "tree boring". This requires boring a hole through a small tree and puling out the core on what looks like a small spoon. You then place it inside a straw, tape both ends and label the sample. It seems we will be doing a lot of kneeing and laying on the ground looking at vegetation and soil samples. I am a little out of my element but I intend to keep up with the rest of the team.

(This is a tree borer at work.)

(Here is a sample tree core.)

One of the student's asked me about bugs in Churchill. Today when we were outside being trained in our tasks, there were a number of black flies. They were annoying but not a distraction. Other then that, there was a great breeze and minimal bugs or insects.

A consistent question is about the polar bears. No, I haven't seen any, though we all have been looking. 

We took a ride before dinner into Churchill to pick up some snacks and take a short car tour. The road on the way in was wide open with little evidence of civilization. There are many rock formations.  The Hudson Bay surrounds Churchill. One of my team members wants a swim before we leave.

Question: What do you know about the Hudson Bay? What do you think the temperature of the water is? What is the temperature of the Atlantic ocean at home?

Here is one picture of rocks around the Hudson Bay in Churchill. Why do you think there are so many rocks? Where could they come from?

HINT: Do you know what glaciers are?

We just had a lecture with pictures and graphs on the Permafrost research that is being done here and which I will be doing my small part. Early tomorrow we we get up and go "OUT IN THE FIELD." I can then share with you the work that these researchers are working on.

Did you all find out what "Permafrost" meant?

Finally, M. asked me about the Aurora Borealis. We saw it last night. They are amazing lights that dance up in the sky?

Do you know what causes it? 

Here is a small treat of the northern lights. Click on the word "Aurora Borealis" to learn more.

Good night all!