True, the glaciers are receding, but there are hosts of other less obvious but equally important responses to current climate change in Glacier. Join instructor Paul Rappaport to examine these responses, through cause and effect links to a changing climate. Students learn about the implications of further environmental stress on our fragile alpine ecosystem.

Tentative Itinerary
Friday:
8-10:30 am: Meet at Glacier Park Field Camp near West Glacier. Following introductions and a brief overview, we will discuss the current research involving the chemical, physical and biological responses in Alpine and Sub-alpine Ecosystems to recent climate change.
10:30-5:30. Class departs in GI Van for Logan Pass. There will be several field stops along the way, as well as a 3 hr walk/hike around the Hanging Gardens beneath Mt. Reynolds, and along the Dragon’s Tail to the Sperry Glacier Overlook.

Saturday:
8-10:30 am: Following a rehash of yesterday’s lessons, we will discuss the physical and biological changes occurring due to climate change in aspen parklands, the North Fork Valley floodplain, the McDonald Creek Valley, and some of the large lakes and streams of Glacier National Park.
10:30-5:00: Class departs in GI van for field trip with a half dozen or more stops (with short walks), staying on the west side of GNP.
5:00-5:30: We will conclude with a ½ hr wrap-up session back at the Glacier Institute Field Camp.

Paul Rappaport earned his MS in Geology from The University of Maine, with a focus on Glacial Geology and Quaternary Studies. Paul has conducted research in Antarctica and Scandinavia, and has traveled slowly through glaciated landscapes in Alaska, The Yukon and New Zealand by bicycle for months on end. Paul comes to The Glacier Institute with over 15 years of formal teaching and private consulting experience.

The Glacier Institute

Moderate

18+

August 06, 2010 - August 07, 2010

Cabin

$170 includes lodging at Field Camp August 6/ $140 without lodging