Although we were not slated to start topic 5 ‘snow hydrology’ in class until mid-March, mother nature had other plans. Snow days are not common in Victoria. So through the TOTALLY EXCELLENT suggestion of a student, it was decided we should spend some of the class outside. A few discussions on cloud microsphyics and how water flows through snow, followed up with the science of snowman building made for a great class! Thanks everyone!
We were treated to live weather briefings from Environment and Climate Change Canada Forecasters, collected data in a record breaking atmospheric river event in Tofino, learned about traditional ways of understanding weather, heard from the coast guard on weather hazards and spent two days surveying the Schooner Cove Dune system in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve which had been significantly modified during the ‘largest waves on the planet’ event two weeks ago. It has be wet, busy, but awesome! So impressed with our group of students. They worked hard, maintained positive attitudes in challenging field outings and supported each others learning. This course wouldn’t have been possible without the huge support from our community partners. Thank you! Looking forward to teaching more courses in future Clayoquot Sound Field Semesters.
Shannon Fargey 