Explain: Our climate has been experiencing a warming trend since the 1970's. This brings about many changes for Alaskans. The closer an individual is tied to the sea the greater the changes one is experiencing during this time. Due to waters high specific heat capacity, the ecosystems in the the ocean have experienced major changes due to a 3 degree increase in temperature. This increase in temperature is suspected to be the culprit of many observable changes to individuals living along Alaska's coast lines. As water temperature increases, scientists have noticed a decrease in small fish populations. These small fish populations serve as the base of the marine food chain and it has had a serious ripple effect on many marine animal populations. Everything from fish to birds to marine mammals to man has been impacted by this small temperature increase. A few studies that have been conducted recently include: Lower sea bird numbers in the North Pacific, low steller sea lion numbers, low pollack numbers, lower crab numbers, low salmon returns for upper Cook Inlet and increased polar bear/man interactions to a loss of sea ice. Although this sounds like a lot, this only a few of the changes scientists and coastal communities have been observing over the past 40 years. Although climate is not solely responsible for these changes we must not overlook the need for management of these resources. As competition among user group's increases. Dolly Garza's audio clip reminds us of the need to manage our resources as global climate changes effect our resources as well as increased competition between user groups.
Thermocline and halocline understanding are crucial to the science of global warming. It is tricky at best for scientists to attempt to predict what affect changes in ocean circulation will bring over the next 100 years. But it is important for scientists to gather as much data now as possible in order to understand the global effect that all communities across the globe, not just coastal, will experience from the changes in thermohaline circulation. Although some models predict a warming trend others predict a short warming trend followed by a major cooling trend. Moore data now will lead to better understanding in the future.
Extend:
The Goggle Earth shot above,of the Kenai River, was intended to show the increased fresh water run off and sedimentation that is a direct result of the increased glacier melting of the Harding ice field in the Kenai mountains. However, I did not get my desired effect due to a photographic date in May when glacier melting is not at it's maximum.
In the TD resource Global View of the Seasons, the satellite imagery can also be used to show how the seasonal changes bring about other changes in Alaskan waters that correspond to the seasons, such as summer time plankton blooms in the Bering Sea.
The Ben Franklin You Tube clip on the gulf stream provided a great historical aspect to the science of ocean currents and could be a very powerful tool for engaging students with an interest in history rather than science.
Evaluate:
As you can see last week I learned how to attach resources to my blog. This week I have learned how to link web sites to my blog. I liked the way this was done in the weekly modules and I am glad I figured out how to do it. I can see this being another valuable tool in helping me create more dynamic lessons for my students.
Strong writing, links and images. I especially appreciate your reflections in the last paragraph.
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