
Hydrologist, Dr. Mark Williams, is leading a educational snowshoe hike. tomorrow in the Gore Range, according to the Vail Daily News (free registration required). From the article, "On Tuesday, the Vail Symposium and Gore Range Natural Science School will host a snowshoe hike with snow hydrologist Dr. Mark Williams. Simply put, Dr. Williams is a snow expert. He studies snow and considers all the implications changes in snow may have, from avalanche stability and release, to melt-water runoff and release of solutes from the snowpack...
"Dr. Williams also studies the interaction of snow and the ecosystem, particularly in high-elevation areas. He is Principal Investigator of the Niwot Ridge Long-Term Ecological Research (NWT LTER) program, which studies how climate changes may affect alpine tundra. Beginning in 1980, the program is the longest-running multidisciplinary, alpine and sub-alpine study on the continent. It is supported by the largest environmental science grant at the University of Colorado (to the tune of $1 million annually), funded by the National Science Foundation. According to Williams, so far research indicates that nitrogen pollution in rain and snow is effectively altering the alpine tundra. This may be interpreted as a warning from the ground, up. During Dr. Williams snowshoe tour, he will look at the ecology of snow-covered areas. He will guide participants 'inside snow,' and talk about how dynamic seasonal snowpack is. He will also interpret snowpack in terms of avalanche danger...
"Participants will leave from the Minturn Middle School parking lot at 10 a.m., and return at 1 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes snowshoes and a snack. Attendees are encouraged to bring a hand lens, crystal card, and packable snow shovel, if available. For more information and reservations, visit the Vail Symposium Web site at www.vailsymposium.org or call 476-0954."
Category: Colorado Water
5:42:26 AM
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