Phenological decoupling between birds and bugs is one of the consequences of climate change. Birds, such as the Western Sandpiper, eat bugs, such as no-see-ums, to survive. Birds begin their annual cycles of eating and breeding based on the change in sunlight in the spring. Bugs base their cycle based on warming temperatures in the spring. In order for birds to feed off of the bugs, these cycles must overlap. However, because temperatures are rising more quickly, bugs emerge and leave before the birds’ cycle can begin. Therefore, the two cycles do not overlap and the birds find themselves without their normal source of food. 

Art: Miró Merrill

This gif is only 3 minutes of time compressed into two seconds. But just look at how much of a difference there is in the size of this ice chunk in that time. This is incredible, and sad. Yes, in summer glaciers do recede but temperatures are on the rise as the ice had moved a large amount in just a few short days from when we were there last. Still don’t think climate change is real? How about the ice patches floating by in the background? NASA’s Global and Climate change division has observed about 75 billion tons of ice per year over a 19-year period disappearing from glaciers in the Alaskan region.

How long can you continue to deny this?

Ryan Lund

Everyday is full of learning and new experiences. I’ve enjoyed my time here in Cordova with the team. Excited to be apart of and help produce something that is much bigger than I am. We are one little critter in this big world. 

Above is a video of part of Sheridan Glacier as it drips away into a large pool in front of it. The water itself is full of silt and becomes very cloudy. Due to global warming retreating glaciers are unfortunately becoming more and more frequent and that is raising water levels worldwide. The rising of global sea levels is referred to as “Eustacy”. Eustacy however works on two different levels. The first way that the ocean levels rise is by the number of water molecules in the ocean (such as a glacier melting and adding more water to the oceans) and the second is change in water temperature. At first I was confused in how water temperature affects the waters however I soon realized that as the water temperature rises the molecules of the water expands, forcing the water to spread more, thus raising the levels. This process specifically is referred to as “steric change” and scientists today believe that steric change accounts for 50% of present day sea level change. With this knowledge I actually found out that it’s not the glaciers melting and increasing the volume of water on the earth but rather an increase in the temperature of that water forcing it to increase in size. 

Fascinating...

Ryan Lund

06.29.2016

Citation:https://www2.usgs.gov/faq/categories/9750/3476

Change is so important for the process of creativity.  

The other day we talked about how your perspective changes and enhances in a new place. Things we might overlook day to day at home are suddenly vibrantly interesting. 

As an artist, this enhanced perspective inspires me to draw everything. When I look at an object, I imagine how a pencil would twist around it, creating texture through line, pressing down harder in the areas of shadow and releasing where the light hits. In a new place, inspiration can be found anywhere. 

Suddenly, a half eaten apple is waiting for its portrait. As I explored its shape and texture, Karly noticed that it looked like a globe with mountain ranges. In Cordova, we are surrounded by mountains and it seems like I’m constantly thinking about our little blue earth and the affect we have on it -- I guess this change of scenery not only only inspires a new excitement for seeing, but also seeps into the way that I draw. Everything is connected.

Stared in the eyes of a bear today.. was only able to captured mental images. However, was able to get some pictures of these amazing animals. Fun and exciting day to say the least! 

The eagle has landed!!

Day one for me here in Cordova. The sights are very stimulating, but what’s even more spectacular is the color of this water! This is the actual color that the glaciers give off and it is beautiful! The color comes from what is called “rock flour” which is a result of minerals from rocks that have been ground and crushed underneath the glacier as it passes over the land. Once the water becomes saturated with the fine rock flour, it absorbs and scatters carrying colors of sunlight, leaving this amazing teal blue color.  On a different note, the salmon are starting to come up the streams for spawning but will not actually cross into further streams until there are a large enough number of them. 

-Ryan Lund

Photoshop does wonders! 

Assisted by the wonderful Karly DeWees!

TJ Daniel