The natural systems mentioned in this module are: lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and cryosphere all are intereconnected and effect the ever changing geography and environment in Alaska. As mentioned by the Inupiaq elders; everything is interconnected and independent. Each has a role of forming and changing things such as the mountains and ice caps. The St. Elias and Wrangell range is getting taller at a faster rate every year and some glaciers are getting smaller. I am especially interested in cryosphere; the ice caps and glaciers that have changed over time due to my own witness of this.
As mentioned in previous blog, growing up in Alaska and moving away for 13 years has showed me how drastically one of my favorite sites has changed over time. I remember as a small child in the 1980's, taking my grandparents to Portage Glacier and being able to see the Glacier from the parking lot. If one where to visit the parking lot now, he/she would not be able to see the Glacier and would need to venture out futher on a boat since it has receded. This is a definite example of how Alaska's natural systems have changed. As mentioned in the website below Ice and Glaciers come and go.
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/earthglacier.html
The Glaciers are not the only things that have changed. The climate has also changed and thus effecting the sea level. Each of these mentioned changes have made an impact on Alaska and the people who live here.
Examine Question: How active are geologic forces in Alaska? Where?
Growing up in Alaska, I have always known it as the "ring of fire" meaning active volcanoes and Earthquakes. Alaska's has many geologic forces due to the plate techtonics. The wrangel and St. Elias range are active due to the movement of these plates creating them to continually grow. There are also accounts of still sensing after shocks from the big 1964 Earthquake that occured in Alaska.
Along with the growing mountains, it is amazing to me how natural systems are interconnected. Along with the mountain ranges changing and moving, there have been more than 40 volcanoes that have been active at sometime in Alaska's history. Currently Alaska has 80% of the active volcanoes. There are four active volcanoes located along the Aleutian Islands : Augustine, Cleveland. Okmok and Veniaminof. These volcanoes are located along the north American and the pacific plate. All of these volcanoes are active due to the increasing pressure of the plates. This link shows the location of the volcanoes and the active geological forces: http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/earthglacier.html . Lastly, there have been Tsunamis in Southeast Alaska due to Fairweather Fault. All of these active forces play a significant role in changing Alaska's Natural History.
Extend:What other useful information, insights, and/or resources have you discovered?
Throughout learning about Alaska's Natural History I have gained more knowledge of how Global Warming is also effecting Alaska and definite effects on Glaciers and sea levels in such a short amount of time. Due to my interest in Portage Glacier I looked into other websites that demonstrated the changes throughout the years.
I was unaware of how global warming in Alaska has effected the Natives living on subsistence in Alaska.The rising sea levels have definitely effected their way of living and hunting/fishing resouces. I am lastly enlightened how powerful the Natural Systems in Alaska are and I am constantly amazed by the ever changing Geography due to these systems. It is worth noting that the mere location of Alaska is surrounded by powerful movements that not only effect our State but the Earth as a whole.
Evaluate:
This module at times was confusing due to the nature of jumping all around. I wasn't sure if we were looking at the world and the natural systems as a whole; and or looking into where Alaska is located and the changes physically throughout? I did enjoy getting familiarized with where the volcanoes are located and the reasoning of why Alaska is a state with so much movement and Natural activity. The maps where very helpful, however the video of Earth as a System was somewhat confusing.
Overall, I am starting to feel like I am getting to know more and more about a State I love. This module taught me more about where Alaska is located and all the dynamics that are constantly changing it.
Blogs I have visited:
Garys Alaska Blog:
I really liked the maps he put in his blog, I believe they gave a good representation to the size of Alaska in comparison to other states.
Alaska reflections
Her discription of her hike in Waschusett bay made me want to go there and see the changes.
Dancinglight: one path of learning
I enjoyed her font style, it was very pleasing. I also agree with her about it being difficut since I too am new to the blogging world.
I too remember visiting Portage Glacier as a child, later as a preteen and more recently as an adult. What a perfect example of a glacier receding and the changes that take place in the glacial landscape over time. Before long those who desire to visit Portage will have to be avid backpackers to experience the glacier that was once known for it's accessibility.
ReplyDeleteIts scary how quickly glaciers are receding! How great to have first hand knowledge of it.
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