Journals 2007/2008

Louise McMinn
Scofield Magnet Middle School, Stamford, CT

"St. Elias Erosion/Tectonics Project (STEEP)" July 10 - July 20, 2007

Journal Index: July 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17        18 - 19 - 20 Additional Resources

July 14, 2007
Return to Puffy

I returned to Puffy Slough today to continue to take samples. The temperature changes throughout the day, so you have to be dressed in many layers. I was glad I purchased my "Xtra Tufs", the boots were comfortable and held up well in the marsh! I also was glad that I had a mosquito head net. The bugs, mostly the small no see'ums, were buzzing all around when you were near water.

We continued to take more samples. It took about 45 minutes in each area that we cored. Some areas were just silt. But then you would come across a sample that had a good layer of peat. When working out in the field, you never know what you will find. We were having wonderful weather, and we were able to stay out and keep sampling. Since the time in the field was limited, we would have had to be out there, rain or shine.

Occasionally samples of the peat were taken for future carbon-14 dating.

I practiced using the GPS unit to record and map our location. It is very important to continually log in locations when doing the fieldwork. Due to conditions out in the field, the GPS and radios are the main electronics used. It is difficult to keep devices working without carrying many extra batteries or generators.

Each night when we returned, everyone would recount the bear sightings of the day. So far I have just spotted one from the helicopter. But tonight a black bear walked through the camp, up the road from the beach. He walked around, stood up, and then continued on away from the camp. From now on I will be making a lot of noise as I walk down to the outhouse!