tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45100569504799220352024-02-07T18:01:32.785-08:00Washington Department of EcologyProud to help you protect Washington's quality of lifeWA Department of Ecologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17211353558094402510noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-59776232466219023712017-09-08T13:11:00.001-07:002017-09-08T13:11:12.941-07:00Eyes Over Puget Sound: Sunny, warm and colorful<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Late summer brings warm air temperatures, abundant sunshine and
drier conditions throughout Puget Sound. Stream flows in the region’s northern
rivers are lower than our rivers in south Puget Sound.</span> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/eops/EOPS_2017_8_28.pdf">Click here to see this month's report</a></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yet, the combination of abundant spring rain and weak
upwelling from the Pacific Ocean means Puget Sound waters are still fresher
than at any time in the past 17 years. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While the abundance of jellyfish is lower this year, our
warm water temperatures, especially in central Puget Sound, are accompanied by
large rafts of drifting macroalgae. What else did we see on our Eyes Over Puget
Sound overflight? Diverse blooms in colors of green, orange and red-brown in
many our inlets. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We are also checking to see how if our benthic invertebrate
community is changing. We are monitoring and measuring samples of these
critters that live in the sediments of Puget Sound at our long-term monitoring
stations. We’re gathering information so we have baselines to see if any
long-term change is occurring among this sensitive part of the Puget Sound
ecosystem.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This year, we’re getting great hands-on assistance from our
<a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/wcc/">Washington Conservation Corps</a> intern, Nicole Marks. To see more about the
project, check out the great </span><a href="https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/documents/1703016.pdf"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">poster</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
Nicole has created.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-83236200815026634782017-06-09T15:30:00.004-07:002017-06-09T15:40:58.019-07:00Eyes Over Puget Sound: River flows above normal<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Cooler and wetter conditions earlier this year have set the
stage for a favorable supply of freshwater. River flows are all above normal
due to warm May temperatures melting our abundant snow pack. These conditions
are creating significantly fresher conditions in Puget Sound surface waters. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjK5elSQY5R9xTCSJlbpT7-fD9i0cuo0QZQXjyQY9PoHcwzhNYuXQBxPm5UWh9OD-u48vhqiotNMIyUhHqCfqFAdJ-L2f6IOak0jMG8b6a2pu0SxP_RM7zvp-j0XbbY9zUNGHxZKoKH_NP/s1600/EOPS_2017_6_5.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjK5elSQY5R9xTCSJlbpT7-fD9i0cuo0QZQXjyQY9PoHcwzhNYuXQBxPm5UWh9OD-u48vhqiotNMIyUhHqCfqFAdJ-L2f6IOak0jMG8b6a2pu0SxP_RM7zvp-j0XbbY9zUNGHxZKoKH_NP/s640/EOPS_2017_6_5.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/surface.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Click here to see this month's report.</span></a></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Algae blooms are limited but there are some yellow-green blooms growing in bays
near the Kitsap Peninsula and in the Puyallup, Skagit and Stillaguamish river
estuaries. Red algae blooms are present in the rivers feeding into Willapa Bay.
Also see what is “blooming” in the sediments of Puget Sound.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What's Eyes Over Puget Sound?</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;">Eyes Over Puget Sound combines high-resolution photo observations with satellite images, ferry data from travel between Seattle and Victoria BC, and measurements from our moored instruments. We use a seaplane to travel between our monitoring stations because they are so far apart. Once a month, we take photos of Puget Sound water conditions and turn those out, along with data from our stations, in the monthly </span><a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/surface.html">Eyes Over Puget Sound report</a><span id="goog_1488133742"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1488133743"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;">.</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-44835811917824970402017-01-18T16:23:00.000-08:002017-01-18T16:23:01.698-08:00Eyes Over Puget Sound: A look at 2016 in photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After two years of very warm air and record-high water temperatures, Puget Sound is close to normal. Between the Blob warming our waters in 2015 and the past year of El Niño, we're still a bit warmer than usual, but we're in better shape than we've seen in some time.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/surface.html" target="_blank">Click here to see our 2016 in pictures report.</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Learn about how the global climate affects water quality, see the impacts warmer waters had on the Sound and compare photos from flights throughout 2016 in this year-end summary.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEism3FKhJH7Et7aeBHgD27QUnHDBCCrwFtWb6cK49z7QVAfWQlyy5ZXIu5OLgb7rF8Yst5k1Dmru1cPUyBJH_hyphenhyphen6X4wWn3MRcywuX0SUoyHOPmZ6ZJT2ytlthZIo7WW1fRww1tCQ2Iohw/s1600/Nov+2016+Steamboat+island+eddy+sediment.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEism3FKhJH7Et7aeBHgD27QUnHDBCCrwFtWb6cK49z7QVAfWQlyy5ZXIu5OLgb7rF8Yst5k1Dmru1cPUyBJH_hyphenhyphen6X4wWn3MRcywuX0SUoyHOPmZ6ZJT2ytlthZIo7WW1fRww1tCQ2Iohw/s200/Nov+2016+Steamboat+island+eddy+sediment.png" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nov. 2016 - Squaxin Passage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieksAcQUw3chQY65Y4llj5WhzMAS5BBDLRbtwwArqE1qiua5b3f0Vk0c0tF_fjnLhrSs9CDARrFvrIfVQxHH5jsiawE9lzIS9pEV6CCXN0hzKIrl7rZy9aF9HmhAj3on42pI5gxLcnOA/s1600/Feb+2016.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieksAcQUw3chQY65Y4llj5WhzMAS5BBDLRbtwwArqE1qiua5b3f0Vk0c0tF_fjnLhrSs9CDARrFvrIfVQxHH5jsiawE9lzIS9pEV6CCXN0hzKIrl7rZy9aF9HmhAj3on42pI5gxLcnOA/s200/Feb+2016.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feb. 2016 - Willipa Bay</td></tr>
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We had some major rains this year! They sent mud and runoff into our rivers, downstream and out into the Sound. 2016 began and ended with sediment dynamically painting our waters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivm35zvEKRLsoaIqWVL8T9cs0Cr5K3TbW5O18ZC8pFPlStMJKkVZG76EIOb2P5Ly3DHH6st5FsL5LkfUJhBwC3hyphenhyphenTHdubsoU3HxNwyuugO4YDvheGzYtBMqHFHafO8PQOuKfSxmRwGKw/s1600/Sept+2016+eddy+bloom.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivm35zvEKRLsoaIqWVL8T9cs0Cr5K3TbW5O18ZC8pFPlStMJKkVZG76EIOb2P5Ly3DHH6st5FsL5LkfUJhBwC3hyphenhyphenTHdubsoU3HxNwyuugO4YDvheGzYtBMqHFHafO8PQOuKfSxmRwGKw/s640/Sept+2016+eddy+bloom.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sept. 2016 - Liberty Bay</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: start;">The very low summer river flows we experienced last year reflected climate predictions for the northwest. Our rivers are like a cold faucet: turned up high, their flow keeps waters cool, moving and full of oxygen. With the river taps turned way down, marine waters don't get mixed as much which causes warmer temperatures and higher salinities. As a result, we saw abundant jellyfish, floating </span>macro-algae<span style="text-align: start;"> and Noctiluca blooms.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi272471WcDfpO_hm1vuAgrjhrtw37fCv27cAvXUEUILiFo29j_1oNlfjs4sMw9il9Vikh3AA2sNKdxivj6dcQ8zPoU9J2xVt1cP0I0hMDvXVXOxzElhM09Pg2gc27r9zwwpmLFhrwAOQ/s1600/Sept+budd+algae+bloom+jellyfish.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi272471WcDfpO_hm1vuAgrjhrtw37fCv27cAvXUEUILiFo29j_1oNlfjs4sMw9il9Vikh3AA2sNKdxivj6dcQ8zPoU9J2xVt1cP0I0hMDvXVXOxzElhM09Pg2gc27r9zwwpmLFhrwAOQ/s200/Sept+budd+algae+bloom+jellyfish.png" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sept. 2016 - Budd Inlet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhU8tpgf4ZHjFWY-G5PPPwHc9laQp5LNLxt433eIPRE-gYN4t0Ejxs5JUNZEg583IEuC4JBy8chccUFZ5t6bHUBAZEi1iXoLysZKFwv_kFdLNf0ZeDLEGVjDEAgnShrEgArv3BgC7GA/s1600/August+2016+jellyfish.png" style="clear: right; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhU8tpgf4ZHjFWY-G5PPPwHc9laQp5LNLxt433eIPRE-gYN4t0Ejxs5JUNZEg583IEuC4JBy8chccUFZ5t6bHUBAZEi1iXoLysZKFwv_kFdLNf0ZeDLEGVjDEAgnShrEgArv3BgC7GA/s200/August+2016+jellyfish.png" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aug. 2016 - Eld Inlet</td></tr>
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Surprisingly, only south Puget Sound developed very low summer oxygen levels in 2016. By fall, La Niña came with a punch! This brought more rain and cool air temperatures. But the question remains: will this be an unusual La Niña?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyQrsnefIJ3tAqw-Egf8wqQPDa0sXRzTfWYC385WtIms7iQIBUKaji2iGschfNG_s1WZh0NHwBo2uYT3VI46mQIzWi4JOj2CR6mLL2g5o84R72qyCcfWrBca-NShvbTl2BGs_xGruMQ/s1600/July+2016+macro+algae+snohomish+co+edmonds+underwater+park.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyQrsnefIJ3tAqw-Egf8wqQPDa0sXRzTfWYC385WtIms7iQIBUKaji2iGschfNG_s1WZh0NHwBo2uYT3VI46mQIzWi4JOj2CR6mLL2g5o84R72qyCcfWrBca-NShvbTl2BGs_xGruMQ/s640/July+2016+macro+algae+snohomish+co+edmonds+underwater+park.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 2016 - Edmonds Underwater Park</td></tr>
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What's Eyes Over Puget Sound?</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihjYNKtGGB1WbdGUmLezJnWcVjQKpKDL6Pq5L3rjU3MURBaQe2MatD20UFYX2HqPGnk9IusamKUMgrusoCXSoLkMsSIJ9a6SZE8uH0g0lk6Ihn5Vfe7DdzufGRRIDuaIdqntN0DzTFA/s1600/MarineMonitoringflight_03_04_2015_jessicapayne%252871%2529.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihjYNKtGGB1WbdGUmLezJnWcVjQKpKDL6Pq5L3rjU3MURBaQe2MatD20UFYX2HqPGnk9IusamKUMgrusoCXSoLkMsSIJ9a6SZE8uH0g0lk6Ihn5Vfe7DdzufGRRIDuaIdqntN0DzTFA/s320/MarineMonitoringflight_03_04_2015_jessicapayne%252871%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a>Eyes Over Puget Sound combines high-resolution photo observations with data from our monthly monitoring stations, from our regional partners and from instruments we have on ferries. We use a seaplane to travel between many of our monitoring stations because they are so far apart.</div>
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Once a month, we take photos of Puget Sound water conditions and turn those out, along with data from our stations, in the monthly <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/surface.html" target="_blank">Eyes Over Puget Sound report</a>.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-61949176385370115092016-12-06T12:24:00.001-08:002016-12-06T12:24:56.643-08:00Eyes Over Puget Sound: La Niña is here!With La Niña present we are seeing wetter and warmer conditions. Heavy rains in October swelled Puget Sound rivers and streams to above normal levels. As a result, water temperatures, salinities and oxygen in Puget Sound are returning to normal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/surface.html" target="_blank"><img alt="EOPS report cover and text for Nov. 22, 2016 report" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkouXT3QZRWccvCfUWttOnp0L3SOE_XQg94_t2XVPP2Jj5g1cU0CJ7lP0fNj3qqsVC2Xx2VumdnLGB6pgMp18W-a31TQfv0a9K3iPScP6ootqsGL8EUKQU-ibY-Xe7XSGOEwoyr8aMQ/s640/Nov+2016+EOPS.png" title="Eyes Over Puget Sound Nov. 22 Report" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/surface.html" target="_blank">Click here to read the November report.</a></span></b></td></tr>
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While surface water in Puget Sound has cooled, it is still warmer than in the Straits.<br />
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I can see clearly now</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioazixl3gqiPkHtuViFIXIk2ehCRrDrwAr16E9Km0PfXdeAGx1uJkf72Mh3zKylQ1Rc5cYIiOuqkm6U-iMOJnZnlO25uPjxI0jdiH5ItgMqgRW1T0UjSUeDcWscW_rRGuUDGcXrXVYWQ/s1600/Nov+2016+EOPS+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioazixl3gqiPkHtuViFIXIk2ehCRrDrwAr16E9Km0PfXdeAGx1uJkf72Mh3zKylQ1Rc5cYIiOuqkm6U-iMOJnZnlO25uPjxI0jdiH5ItgMqgRW1T0UjSUeDcWscW_rRGuUDGcXrXVYWQ/s320/Nov+2016+EOPS+image.jpg" width="320" /></a>We continue to see large groups of jellyfish in finger Inlets of South Sound and slowly fading red-brown blooms in Eld and Budd Inlets. A lot of suspended sediment was observed east of Steamboat Island and south of Squaxin Island. Otherwise, we have clear water.<br />
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What is Eyes Over Puget Sound?</h3>
Eyes Over Puget Sound combines high-resolution photo observations with data from our monthly monitoring stations, from our regional partners and from instruments we have on ferries. We use a seaplane to travel between many of our monitoring stations because they are so far apart.<br />
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Once a month, we take photos of Puget Sound water conditions and turn those out, along with data from our stations, in the monthly <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/surface.html" target="_blank">Eyes Over Puget Sound report</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-30449696356792869292016-07-05T15:36:00.000-07:002016-07-05T16:10:41.929-07:00Eyes Over Puget Sound: Diving into warmer watersSummer is officially here, and it is bringing record-breaking Puget Sound water temperatures along for the ride. What could this mean for you? First, join us for the BEACH program kick-off in the June <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/surface.html">Eyes Over Puget Sound</a> report.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjAaZ4pG434wl66bNse5Uyc__WBEWXS1fgvzGxLpRWUEycUjnb0AHuAySOgK1jFEYRVGoXYzxUtFBsv_KfwZkv_YwzURGgg3VRxjBMyaKTA6ro0wBgRpyg9EYAWvHY9DicjBwq-Z5CGo/s1600/EOPS_2016_06_27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjAaZ4pG434wl66bNse5Uyc__WBEWXS1fgvzGxLpRWUEycUjnb0AHuAySOgK1jFEYRVGoXYzxUtFBsv_KfwZkv_YwzURGgg3VRxjBMyaKTA6ro0wBgRpyg9EYAWvHY9DicjBwq-Z5CGo/s640/EOPS_2016_06_27.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/eops/EOPS_2016_06_27.pdf"><span style="color: #38761d;">Click to view the June report here</span></a></h3>
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Is my beach safe for swimming?</h3>
Each year between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Washington State <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/beach/index.html">BEACH Program</a> monitors saltwater beaches to make sure conditions are safe for swimming and other recreational activities.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzCvbMjBdm12A8iwW2SRVvs5hM0V28xC_l-8ouqplbSHeY3RRAm_ldvurEPI7eajfBW0hsNuUb6xJVVsEOwU9uh9-sYHnUxT4rdbOIj9lew7NpeurPbi6tHIy5EZtd4AlokrMt5LvEQ4/s1600/Green+Sign+%2528002%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzCvbMjBdm12A8iwW2SRVvs5hM0V28xC_l-8ouqplbSHeY3RRAm_ldvurEPI7eajfBW0hsNuUb6xJVVsEOwU9uh9-sYHnUxT4rdbOIj9lew7NpeurPbi6tHIy5EZtd4AlokrMt5LvEQ4/s320/Green+Sign+%2528002%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a>Media joined the monitoring teams last month for a kick-off to find out more about the condition of our favorite beaches and how to help keep them healthy.<br />
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Follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ECologyWA">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/EcologyWA">Twitter</a> for beach water quality updates, or visit our <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/beach/index.html">BEACH Program</a> website for more information on beaches near you.</div>
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Visibility conditions for divers</h3>
Our monitoring team brings you a new feature: water visibility at different locations around Puget Sound. If you’re thinking of grabbing your scuba gear this weekend, take a look at our map to find out where underwater visibility is highest or lowest. <br />
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Visibility might be lower than in previous months. This new section will eventually deliver present conditions. We’d love to hear your feedback on it!<br />
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What does recent rain mean for water quality in Puget Sound?</h3>
Fortunately, rivers are now flowing at higher levels compared to last year’s drought. Still, we are missing a lot of the snow to support summer flows.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnI1QuYuuB0dzCBooIAQejlHD_4DuNILQVLOX4CrA4VZphew1B3zmgyE84xLZzBLM0eDxWodAq2hgIk426jxZ8m7R_sRhlI5WSpI0Wehcp1kYOoOD4erF2P4jSudNPjipTO-RpfLYaiE/s1600/EOPS.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnI1QuYuuB0dzCBooIAQejlHD_4DuNILQVLOX4CrA4VZphew1B3zmgyE84xLZzBLM0eDxWodAq2hgIk426jxZ8m7R_sRhlI5WSpI0Wehcp1kYOoOD4erF2P4jSudNPjipTO-RpfLYaiE/s640/EOPS.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visit our <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ecologywa/albums/72157670348423816">Flickr album</a><span id="goog_406807109"></span><span id="goog_406807110"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a> for more photos from this month's Eyes Over Puget Sound report.</td></tr>
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Despite recent rainfall the Fraser River has not been flowing nearly as high as last year, <a href="http://ecologywa.blogspot.com/2015/07/how-bad-is-drought_31.html">a year of drought</a>. Why does this matter? The Fraser River, the longest river within British Columbia, is also the largest freshwater source for the Salish Sea.<br />
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Low flow in Fraser River means the water isn’t circulating as much as the Salish Sea does in normal years. Stagnant, or motionless, water means warm temperatures will continue, pollution will increase, and jellyfish could continue to appear in large numbers.<br />
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What about the jellies?</h3>
During sea plane flights over Puget Sound, we also observed many “smacks,” or groups of jellyfish. You can see high numbers of them in Eld and Totten Inlets in the South Sound region.<br />
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Phytoplankton blooms and large mats of floating organic material also showed up east of Bainbridge Island and Port Madison, as well as Quartermaster Harbor near Vashon Island.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAHnUjnr1ivotPFl6GvSQnv2nwwxjKQS4iPD6XyEoszA0eLo5Hf58DvQvLbViQvjdnX7ANN6UtZha_fJY1aLtmH7naqvUa734SZFtd-WKCLM2q00t4yXDEHFMvBwPvwffnAqiP4BSQ3o/s1600/travisiapupa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAHnUjnr1ivotPFl6GvSQnv2nwwxjKQS4iPD6XyEoszA0eLo5Hf58DvQvLbViQvjdnX7ANN6UtZha_fJY1aLtmH7naqvUa734SZFtd-WKCLM2q00t4yXDEHFMvBwPvwffnAqiP4BSQ3o/s320/travisiapupa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ew…what’s that smell?</h3>
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Plug your nose before meeting our latest Critter of the Month! The Pacific Stinkworm, <i>Travisia pupa</i>, smells like rotting garlic when disturbed. </div>
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Though not as easy on the eyes as <a href="http://ecologywa.blogspot.com/2016/05/eyes-under-puget-sound-critter-of-month.html">last month’s critter</a>, <i>Travisia pupa</i> plays an important role on the muddy ocean bottom. The Pacific Stinkworm, also known as the Pupa Utility Worm, helps aerate material on the ocean floor by burrowing and turning over sediment as it feeds. Visit our <a href="http://ecologywa.blogspot.com/search/label/Critter%20of%20the%20Month">Critter of the Month</a> blog series for more.</div>
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What's Eyes Over Puget Sound?</h3>
Eyes Over Puget Sound combines high-resolution photo observations with satellite images, ferry data from travel between Seattle and Victoria BC, and measurements from our moored instruments. We use a seaplane to travel between our monitoring stations because they are so far apart. Once a month, we take photos of Puget Sound water conditions and turn those out, along with data from our stations, in the monthly <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/surface.html">Eyes Over Puget Sound report</a>.</div>
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Laura Schlabachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14947716735227070326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-81197678814717826072016-05-09T18:02:00.003-07:002017-01-09T15:32:12.073-08:00Is Puget Sound healthy? Join us May 10 to find out!<h4>
By: Jessie Payne, Environmental Assessment communications manager</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaBFUkjdXIUQ1Ry1emGHLXSs2zX2RRz1Nf8Synst0dPktFp-l7I0qpIF8UvRwIMyLMFFMMOpfcftwVoh3dAX7ZEw-yLA6m9BxId7yThZKZ_AHqealSjgbmt2lQngzPvrQ8BEKNvg2VA/s1600/March+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaBFUkjdXIUQ1Ry1emGHLXSs2zX2RRz1Nf8Synst0dPktFp-l7I0qpIF8UvRwIMyLMFFMMOpfcftwVoh3dAX7ZEw-yLA6m9BxId7yThZKZ_AHqealSjgbmt2lQngzPvrQ8BEKNvg2VA/s320/March+2016.jpg" width="320" /></a>A big question has been on everyone's mind lately: </div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b>Is Puget Sound healthy? </b></span></div>
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This may seem like a simple question, but talk to our scientists, and you'll hear that the answer can be quite complicated. The answer depends on the situation and what aspect of health you're interested in. </div>
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Today in Ecology's podcast, we sit down with our Scientific Environmental Modeling Engineer Mindy Roberts to discuss this question and learn about a talk she'll give tomorrow evening in Tacoma for the Pacific Science Center Science Café. </div>
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263331567&color=00aabb&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe>
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Join Mindy at the Science Café event</h3>
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Describing the health of Puget Sound is as complicated as describing your own personal health. At the Science Cafe, Mindy will dive into some of the latest water quality findings and discuss ways that everyone can help improve the health of Puget Sound.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSApnWI_HHGhdptutTVlp25ynb6u1y-hKG3Hdj9rP-oekHm9M81o7M39PNNGHotR_YQCobwc49L-Ys3Efmn4IX8JA8VL7rh1nB8WBOdEJ1o4mRRQErEn9RmmWHYHuk6AvwGu4KC4t4g/s1600/June+2015+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSApnWI_HHGhdptutTVlp25ynb6u1y-hKG3Hdj9rP-oekHm9M81o7M39PNNGHotR_YQCobwc49L-Ys3Efmn4IX8JA8VL7rh1nB8WBOdEJ1o4mRRQErEn9RmmWHYHuk6AvwGu4KC4t4g/s200/June+2015+%25283%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a>Join Mindy in Tacoma to learn about some of the latest science we have on Puget Sound. Bring friends who want to understand the different ways we measure its health.<br /><br />
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<b>What?</b></div>
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<b>Pacific Science Center </b><br />
Tacoma Science Café</div>
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“Is Puget Sound Healthy?”</div>
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<b>When?</b></div>
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Tuesday, May 10 at 6:30 p.m.</div>
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<b>Where?</b></div>
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The Swiss Restaurant & Pub<br />
1904 Jefferson Avenue, Tacoma</div>
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Science Cafés are open to all ages. No science background is required, and no question is too basic. Learn more about the <a href="https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/science-cafe/">Pacific Science Center Science Café</a> event.</div>
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Puget Sound science at Ecology</h3>
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Scientists at Ecology collect, research, and provide credible data to guide our agency's environmental choices for Washington. They work to help us track our environmental health, and to ensure the actions we've taken are working. Learn about our <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/pscoastalintro.htm">Puget Sound science</a>.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-5324586302187344792016-05-06T15:46:00.001-07:002016-05-06T15:46:21.836-07:00Eyes Over Puget Sound: How's the water? And what's under it??<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyoPDJBJAlhVK1Qzo2oNduFaSGDsR01OiyCBZ3sUpXZYrU-IyQ_yFSuip3Spc1TJTBZe7m0GXP62sJgwoVeL49Qs5Ul41kRFEpEX_Zm6mi6ph9IJuorf6GNpN3BbqWRKC2m__NqE20A/s1600/May+2016+EOPS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyoPDJBJAlhVK1Qzo2oNduFaSGDsR01OiyCBZ3sUpXZYrU-IyQ_yFSuip3Spc1TJTBZe7m0GXP62sJgwoVeL49Qs5Ul41kRFEpEX_Zm6mi6ph9IJuorf6GNpN3BbqWRKC2m__NqE20A/s640/May+2016+EOPS.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/surface.html"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Click to view the May report here</span></b></a></td></tr>
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Our marine monitoring team goes out several times a month to check the pulse of Puget Sound and Washington's coastal bays. Once a month, we bring you Eyes over Puget Sound. Because of their work, it's common for them to get the question:<br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">How's the water quality in Puget Sound?</span></b></div>
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This seems like a simple question, but it can mean many different things. When you wonder about water quality in Puget Sound, what are you really interested in? Is it safe to go swimming? How will El Niño impact our water? Is it safe to harvest shellfish? Should I be worried about about pollution and toxins?<br />
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Visit the field impressions section of this month's <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/surface.html">Eyes Over Puget Sound report</a> to learn answers to these questions and dive deeper into the discussion.<br />
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But really, how's the water?</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ecologywa/albums/72157667835260321" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="May 2016 Eyes Over Puget Sound"><img alt="May 2016 Eyes Over Puget Sound" height="213" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/26527543430_2226321e57_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scroll through to see images from the flight, or<br />follow the link to Flickr to view the entire album.</td></tr>
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Water temperatures are still higher than normal and groups of jellyfish are already going strong in southern inlets. Normally, we don't start seeing jellyfish "smacks," or schools of jellyfish, popping up around Puget Sound until later in the season. After last year's <a href="http://ecologywa.blogspot.com/2016/01/eyes-over-puget-sound-2015-was-year-of.html">Year of the Jellyfish</a> and observing populations holding steady throughout winter, we expect another summer full of jellies.<br />
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Our sunny and dry spring means air temperatures are higher than usual for this time of year. We're seeing these temps 7 °F warmer than typical in the mountains, which means the snowpack we built over the winter is quickly disappearing. Our rivers that are fed by snow-melt are running very high.<br />
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How does warm weather affect water quality in Puget Sound? </h3>
Sunny weather means lots of growth! We observed a strong spring phytoplankton bloom extend across Puget Sound and through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This high growth of plankton, algae and plant matter was evident across the Sound in large floating mats of organic debris.<br />
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Often, this material ends up on our beaches looking like strange waves of seaweed and muck. Sometimes, these mats of plants begin to decompose on beaches and cause a stinky mess.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGmFYLxqVONk3gRlMThd7hj7yFF_aQvpbuAG-EEHNhBO-C-neByCRAUFQuJAV_FwOPM4M_3OC4fU7ua8e-_I58u4U7oWMN04f6Pj4zZcsc3XqEvWbdqD85Z1tGKqd_zh1XA9eyKKg4Q/s1600/Luidia+foliolata+%252826+R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGmFYLxqVONk3gRlMThd7hj7yFF_aQvpbuAG-EEHNhBO-C-neByCRAUFQuJAV_FwOPM4M_3OC4fU7ua8e-_I58u4U7oWMN04f6Pj4zZcsc3XqEvWbdqD85Z1tGKqd_zh1XA9eyKKg4Q/s320/Luidia+foliolata+%252826+R.jpg" width="320" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">
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What's underwater? A Sand Star!</h3>
This month, our Eyes <i>Under</i> Puget Sound taxonomists have featured a familiar creature for the Critter of the Month: The Sand Star. Did you know the Sand Star can move up to <i>nine feet </i>per minute?<br />
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Learn more in our field impressions section of the report. Read about marine sediment animals monthly by following our <a href="http://bit.ly/critterofthemonth">Critter of the Month</a> blog series.<br />
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<h3>
What's Eyes Over Puget Sound?</h3>
Eyes Over Puget Sound combines high-resolution photo observations with satellite images, ferry data from travel between Seattle and Victoria BC, and measurements from our moored instruments. We use a seaplane to travel between our monitoring stations because they are so far apart. Once a month, we take photos of Puget Sound water conditions and turn those out, along with data from our stations, in the monthly <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/surface.html">Eyes Over Puget Sound report</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-79966178791053075392016-04-12T16:46:00.000-07:002016-04-13T12:33:19.311-07:00Eyes Over Puget Sound: More snow means more flow!April has kicked off with warm weather and sunshine! Plankton blooms are spreading across Puget Sound and we still see white snow up on the mountains.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7HFY1FDui8o19S6tubszV_A-e8Lpcg34FR_V7JHaL6IwnPnH8BIZQvWJKiuNs-hGUOX2onSV7Dcwc56e4OOUvne7VpIh5A6BlR4IylDJP8qaGYjXN-mTdCi2iGUouoUs-iyPryPuow/s1600/March+2016+EOPS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7HFY1FDui8o19S6tubszV_A-e8Lpcg34FR_V7JHaL6IwnPnH8BIZQvWJKiuNs-hGUOX2onSV7Dcwc56e4OOUvne7VpIh5A6BlR4IylDJP8qaGYjXN-mTdCi2iGUouoUs-iyPryPuow/s640/March+2016+EOPS.png" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/surface.html"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Click to view this month's report</span></b></a></td></tr>
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It's been snowing a lot in the mountains this winter. Our passes currently have <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/drought/">80-90% of the snow that's expected</a> for this time of year, and some areas are closer to 100%.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MqNj6THANV-sMvBKcfLGCJv1f6gjlHtKN0WRPU1hxpsTUtgKnNRILoyMmkZ0aNqp7q3qa_mjlqBhaQOfuFk-8wgxYNghDCq4JrHgPtqtbqUHal-SUqn1UTDEPDDCp-nNU4rahY-pZg/s1600/25709645953_6cab1c9a06_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MqNj6THANV-sMvBKcfLGCJv1f6gjlHtKN0WRPU1hxpsTUtgKnNRILoyMmkZ0aNqp7q3qa_mjlqBhaQOfuFk-8wgxYNghDCq4JrHgPtqtbqUHal-SUqn1UTDEPDDCp-nNU4rahY-pZg/s320/25709645953_6cab1c9a06_o.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
This suggests that our summer freshwater flows into Puget Sound may be higher than last year, and much closer to normal. However, warm weather could cause an early thaw, leading to high river flows early in the summer that reduce to a mere trickle by mid-summer.<br>
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Only time will tell what the next couple months have in store for Puget Sound. We will be watching and keep you included in what we see.<br>
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<h3>
The many colors of Puget Sound</h3>
As of April, the spring plankton bloom has extended across central and south Puget Sound. Our <a href="http://ecologywa.blogspot.com/2014/06/ferries-for-science-technology-hitches.html">ferry data</a> shows that chlorophyll has been increasing since March 25 and expanding across these stretches of the Sound. Many areas of Puget Sound are starting to darken to a reddish brown as they bloom with life.<br>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ecologywa/albums/72157667051569905" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="April 2016 Eyes Over Puget Sound"><img alt="April 2016 Eyes Over Puget Sound" height="426" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1672/26312396865_c65723ed28_z.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click through the arrows to scan photos from April's flight, or follow the link to Flickr to see them all.</td></tr>
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Will jellies retake the stage?</h3>
Water temperatures are still warmer than usual, just as they were throughout last year. Do you remember what species flourished in the warm waters of 2015? The jellies! We saw numerous jellyfish patches in the inlets of southern Puget Sound and Sinclair Inlet, which is unusual this early in the year.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQJhOqDpuZSUPxg_Fn1zve_1aS0tLqHheTGUihQoG8raVB_k5DDMJJkqzQeL_rD3rZqddMl8SogEisDoaAqNgXKfxPe7Edfoel-OMIhFiSQiQH-kdlSu8f922ksLmGktUHTRj990qfg/s1600/Mattie+April+2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQJhOqDpuZSUPxg_Fn1zve_1aS0tLqHheTGUihQoG8raVB_k5DDMJJkqzQeL_rD3rZqddMl8SogEisDoaAqNgXKfxPe7Edfoel-OMIhFiSQiQH-kdlSu8f922ksLmGktUHTRj990qfg/s320/Mattie+April+2016.JPG" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our WCC Individual Placement intern Mattie Michalek<br>ready to collect water samples in the field.</td></tr>
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More in this issue: <br>Seed Shrimp and oxygen</h3>
Check out a feature from our Eyes Under Puget Sound team: the Seed Shrimp! These tiny burrowing ostracods are about the size of a sesame seed and they're April's <a href="http://ecologywa.blogspot.com/search/label/Eyes%20Under%20Puget%20Sound">Critter of the Month</a>.<br>
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Also in this issue, our <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/wcc/">Washington Conservation Corps</a> (WCC) Intern Mattie explains how we take the samples we collect in Puget Sound to the lab to analyze oxygen in seawater.<br>
<h3>
<br>What's Eyes Over Puget Sound?</h3>
Eyes Over Puget Sound combines high-resolution photo observations with satellite images, ferry data from travel between Seattle and Victoria BC, and measurements from our moored instruments. We use a seaplane to travel between our monitoring stations because they are so far apart. Once a month, we take photos of Puget Sound water conditions and turn those out, along with data from our stations, in the monthly <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/surface.html">Eyes Over Puget Sound report</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-34827870073896148522016-03-28T08:46:00.002-07:002018-08-29T16:37:33.809-07:00Eyes Over Puget Sound: Below cool surfaces, temps still run highEvery month since fall 2014, our data shows that water temperatures in Puget Sound have been running high. This month, as record rains have filled the Sound with cool freshwater from our rivers, our surface waters appear normal again. Look deeper, however, and we find this cool surface water is covering those same warm temps we've been seeing for over a year. We found that water temps remain especially high in Hood Canal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaVqDL-ElwZe3u4N6HB9ryMRcQQ_ufuEPKPjh1V53U4EySA7-jWQwGng11_o-0_HGRejb0sX-L2yWMUXeItGfFJPEbmCTyHOdv1mWq5CQ6R-LOB1Nn11ASmBJHQPZZe925vaIRzB9ew/s1600/March+2016+EOPS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaVqDL-ElwZe3u4N6HB9ryMRcQQ_ufuEPKPjh1V53U4EySA7-jWQwGng11_o-0_HGRejb0sX-L2yWMUXeItGfFJPEbmCTyHOdv1mWq5CQ6R-LOB1Nn11ASmBJHQPZZe925vaIRzB9ew/s640/March+2016+EOPS.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<b><a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/surface.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: small;">View this month's report</span></a></b></h3>
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What do warm waters mean for Puget Sound?</h3>
Puget Sound is running hot. <a href="http://ecologywa.blogspot.com/2015/07/puget-sound-waters-left-sweltering.html">The Blob</a> that made national headlines last summer continues to lurk deep in the Pacific Ocean and remnants are still being felt here. Puget Sound is a small player in our global climate, but we are feeling the impacts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLjcrfcLeL95jYAcxsGd5FdyhULjAL0P9skF7_7fHJjnf3URx20gpRtSC6nEGK7AWbxGwmmA4duxT-WUsJTlw1WHzn0Ka8lFATAsjfoLMmALNUOYYeCLVfKrkVTvYjnlQ2w_bom0Ghg/s1600/March+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLjcrfcLeL95jYAcxsGd5FdyhULjAL0P9skF7_7fHJjnf3URx20gpRtSC6nEGK7AWbxGwmmA4duxT-WUsJTlw1WHzn0Ka8lFATAsjfoLMmALNUOYYeCLVfKrkVTvYjnlQ2w_bom0Ghg/s400/March+2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We caught a nice view of downtown Seattle on this clear blue day.</td></tr>
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Last year, we saw warm water temperatures that fostered algae blooms, disease and stressful conditions for cold-loving species like salmon.<br />
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We also observed these conditions boosting less desirable species that do not support fish, like jellyfish and macro-algae. We're curious to see how this unusual pattern unfolds in the coming summer, and we'll keep you included in what we see.<br />
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High flows dilute salt concentrations</h3>
Another result of this warm, wet March is that salinity in Puget Sound is notably lower than usual for this time of year. Luckily, our marine wildlife are able to adjust to fluctuating levels of salt dissolved in the Sound. Some species will even move to a different depth to find salinity levels that are more comfortable for them.<br />
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The view from the air</h3>
We saw more patches of jellyfish hanging out in the inlets of Puget Sound on this flight. Brown-red phytoplankton blooms are going strong in Hood Canal and Henderson Inlet, and picking up in many other areas around the Sound.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ecologywa/albums/72157666219535572" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="March 2016 Eyes Over Puget Sound"><img alt="March 2016 Eyes Over Puget Sound" height="426" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1462/25837715646_dd57832043_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scroll through to see images from the flight, or follow the link to Flickr to view the entire album.</td></tr>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Many places showed long stretches of suspended sediments along the shoreline, which could be a sign of shore erosion.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUwgeDJGBDOvgQGg-yu5rcVd1gf_TQP22qspo7-69x1s17BkQGmAMVfoyiWvjVILrs0JhFP_niEcw2lpQTlKQ4ayOjduN182uPu6e6J7uFu1wGZj6K8N4ysLGtvKg3hRTBOylH4B7sw/s1600/Priapulus+caudatus_mouth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUwgeDJGBDOvgQGg-yu5rcVd1gf_TQP22qspo7-69x1s17BkQGmAMVfoyiWvjVILrs0JhFP_niEcw2lpQTlKQ4ayOjduN182uPu6e6J7uFu1wGZj6K8N4ysLGtvKg3hRTBOylH4B7sw/s320/Priapulus+caudatus_mouth.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet this Critter of the Month, the cactus worm, and many<br />
others in our special Eyes Under Puget Sound feature.</td></tr>
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<h3>
Feature: Critter of the Month</h3>
Our benthic taxonomists have been sharing their discoveries from the bottom of Puget Sound by bringing us Benthic Critter of the Month blogs. These posts are part of <b>Eyes <i>Under </i>Puget Sound</b> for our <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/psamp/index.htm">Marine Sediment Monitoring Program</a>.<br />
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These fun species profiles will give you a peek into the life of Puget Sound’s least-known inhabitants. See the feature in this month's Eyes Over Puget Sound report and <a href="http://ecologywa.blogspot.com/search/label/Eyes%20Under%20Puget%20Sound">read the blogs</a> to learn more.<br />
<h3>
<br />What's Eyes Over Puget Sound?</h3>
Eyes Over Puget Sound combines high-resolution photo observations with satellite images, ferry data from travel between Seattle and Victoria BC, and measurements from our moored instruments. We use a seaplane to travel between our monitoring stations because they are so far apart. Once a month, we take photos of Puget Sound water conditions and turn those out, along with data from our stations, in the monthly <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/surface.html">Eyes Over Puget Sound report</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-24950054126764381912015-12-24T07:00:00.000-08:002015-12-24T08:28:13.323-08:00A foot of water can make or break a King Tide<h4>
By Hugh Shipman, Puget Sound coastal geologist, Shorelands program</h4>
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King Tides are overtaking a shoreline near you</h3>
Help scientists track and document King Tides this year! The <a href="http://ecologywa.blogspot.com/2015/11/king-tides-glimpse-into-tomorrow-photo.html">King Tides Photo Initiative</a>, which is going on now, is aimed at getting people to take photographs during unusually high tides and share them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_t2HhsMyt5VccgiTz2ZcG026vO_nrhJRGTYjowlR_Gymqn4KgTuDvUrZQm3JhphtpG4nyfq0NY1yeTRdUisn2TU-H3-4sjHX1b_qN09bNcoT_V4psDDwWnG4dUgHO7f-lSo-UrrhBr2k/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_t2HhsMyt5VccgiTz2ZcG026vO_nrhJRGTYjowlR_Gymqn4KgTuDvUrZQm3JhphtpG4nyfq0NY1yeTRdUisn2TU-H3-4sjHX1b_qN09bNcoT_V4psDDwWnG4dUgHO7f-lSo-UrrhBr2k/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Tracking King Tides shows us how future sea level, <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/2012ccrs/coasts.htm">which is expected to rise significantly</a> during the coming decades, will impact our coastal communities. The projected sea level rise, caused by climate change, will make the extreme high tides we’re chasing now become increasingly common.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/ipa_hightide.htm"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Find predicted King Tides <br />near you to participate!</span></a></b></div>
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“King Tides” are defined as the highest tides of the year. In Washington, these phenomenal tides usually occur in December and January. While we work hard to predict the true King Tides; sometimes those on the schedule turn out not to be the highest tides of the winter, even if they are very high tides. Let’s find out why…<br />
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<br />Many things make King Tides hard to catch </h3>
Some of you may have tried to help us document King Tides this year and had the experience of being a bit underwhelmed by the high tide you observed. It can be disappointing to go out at the crack of dawn on a day with a projected King Tide, only to see the same ol’ high tide you’re used to seeing. Then, it can be extra upsetting to see news of a truly spectacular high tide a week later when you weren’t expecting one at all.<br />
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What’s going on? King Tides can be tricky to predict and catch. The highest tides of the year may not necessarily occur when we expect them. This is particularly true this winter as the strong El Niño is raising water levels, and making King Tides difficult to pinpoint.<br />
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Although we have long been able to make very precise predictions of future tides, these are based on the position of the earth relative to the sun and moon, and do not reflect contributions from the ocean or weather. Factors such as wind storms, atmospheric pressure and ocean conditions are very difficult to predict far in advance, and can significantly influence water levels. Who in Washington hasn’t experienced our weather forecast changing drastically from day to day—or even minute to minute?! These same factors can throw a wrench into King Tide predictions by producing water levels that are a foot lower or higher than expected.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWPnAUG_8asrfeyTQneLKhEdbbTosvrIH2IEFBoT6O2qCRjh8Bl_ZnsyAZsxPVcbXw7la5u4LboAarwaRESllw8KiUrQUNfJtnAQ7Z64fLz0x9uJyQdFWFgv7OuT3_tfz3aFNA6MM1oFn/s1600/King+Tides+are+here.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWPnAUG_8asrfeyTQneLKhEdbbTosvrIH2IEFBoT6O2qCRjh8Bl_ZnsyAZsxPVcbXw7la5u4LboAarwaRESllw8KiUrQUNfJtnAQ7Z64fLz0x9uJyQdFWFgv7OuT3_tfz3aFNA6MM1oFn/s640/King+Tides+are+here.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Does a foot really matter in sea level?</h3>
Tides on Puget Sound often arrive a foot or more below, or above, their predicted height. This can reduce what is projected as an extremely high tide to a very normal-looking high tide. However, it can also turn a very normal high tide into a super high tide; a King Tide.<br />
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It’s important to note that an extra foot of water level makes a huge difference in what we see on the shoreline. This is the same reason why documenting our King Tides is so important. We need to know how a couple feet of water will impact buildings, roads, beaches, sidewalks and other infrastructure in coastal towns to prepare for, and adapt to, rising sea levels.<br />
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A 13-foot tide in central Puget Sound would be considered a King Tide. Some years we see several of these, but in others we get none at all. If a predicted 13-foot tide arrives during a period of high atmospheric pressure, it could be a foot lower than forecasted. On the other hand, a tide predicted at the very common and unimpressive height of 12.5 feet could easily be raised a foot or more under the right conditions. At 13.5 feet, a tide would become one of the highest tides of the year! This means that while it’s possible that the highest tides we see this winter may occur on days predicted to be King Tides, they may be just as likely to occur on days that were not expected.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHykpGt7aVfh7Pjd1PlIrE46haugpLyNdVfx65Q_8jYAcoVBDMq_btvYQaxwsNOkm3-LsJKDsJVekMK8od9qS6MTVfuSkbL6pp9qz6aMzBnzh8bh16ZroIXdu6-nWGLv9kzoa2NLFkSa0c/s1600/2010+El+Nino+tides.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHykpGt7aVfh7Pjd1PlIrE46haugpLyNdVfx65Q_8jYAcoVBDMq_btvYQaxwsNOkm3-LsJKDsJVekMK8od9qS6MTVfuSkbL6pp9qz6aMzBnzh8bh16ZroIXdu6-nWGLv9kzoa2NLFkSa0c/s320/2010+El+Nino+tides.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This 14-foot tide arrived at a whopping two feet higher<br />
than predicted at Alki Beach on Jan. 21, 2010.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
What does this El Niño year bring to King Tides? </h3>
El Niño years make it especially tricky to predict when our highest tides will hit. One of the effects of El Niño is to bring warm water and elevated sea levels to the west coast, which may significantly increase the number of very high tides we get. In 2010, the combination of very low pressure and El Niño gave us an extraordinary series of extremely high tides during the third week of January. During the previous El Niños years of 1982–83, 1997–98 and 2009–10, there were dozens more tides that reached 13 feet high in Seattle than predicted, simply because the base water levels were higher.<br />
<br />
If you like King Tides, this winter bears watching. There are no high tides predicted over 13 feet in Seattle this 2015–16 King Tides season, but thanks to the strong El Niño, we may see higher than expected water levels. We don’t know if it’s tied to El Niño yet or not, but during the first couple weeks of December, water levels were consistently more than a foot (or two!) higher than predicted and we have already seen several tides over 13 feet. Keep watching those coastlines, our tides may surprise us yet.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7OwcwVyNZMPn-adNpkiDgG6qP2Jk6J23IUq0q3seBrNHIc7vbu6-qy0r9f_C69Rr3ml3dKVNJ0l33cmXwcIUKwCYLuEPkIDh7MeUF7jOsQurTmOV2W9lzy0b0iffoUKYNM-BPt5cGpDu/s1600/Alki+Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7OwcwVyNZMPn-adNpkiDgG6qP2Jk6J23IUq0q3seBrNHIc7vbu6-qy0r9f_C69Rr3ml3dKVNJ0l33cmXwcIUKwCYLuEPkIDh7MeUF7jOsQurTmOV2W9lzy0b0iffoUKYNM-BPt5cGpDu/s320/Alki+Beach.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waves breaking at high tide on the seawall at Alki Beach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
Get your best chance to catch those King Tides</h3>
<a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/ipa_hightide_map.htm">Mark King Tides in your calendar</a>, but also <a href="https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/waterlevels.html?id=9447130">bookmark your local tide gauge</a>, which will show both the predicted and the actual observed water levels. Another tip is to pay attention to <a href="http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sew/">National Weather Service</a> warnings about “minor tidal overflows” which alert us to unusually high tides and the potential for localized flooding. By doing a little homework the night before, you will be better informed to decide whether it’s worth getting up early in the morning to watch Puget Sound overflow.<br />
<br />
Besides water levels themselves, wave action will strongly influence the impact of high tides on our shorelines. A powerful windstorm can turn a high tide into a much more dramatic event. Besides keeping an eye on the tide gauge, look for opportunities to observe shorelines when strong wind and waves pair up with the high tide. But, as always, be safe! Winter is not the time to take an unexpected dunk in the Sound.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Get to know your favorite shoreline when the water is high. Pay attention to weather and tidal conditions. </li>
<li>Take photos and share your observations of King Tides and unusually high water on social media. </li>
<li>Make sure to tag your photos with <a href="http://ecologywa.blogspot.com/2015/11/king-tides-glimpse-into-tomorrow-photo.html">#kingtideswa</a> or <a href="http://www.anecdata.org/projects/view/62">upload them to our citizen science page</a> to share them with the <a href="http://washington.kingtides.net/">King Tides Photo Initiative</a>. </li>
<li>Make sure to document local examples of “nuisance flooding” such as times when water flows over the road, washes over a bulkhead, floods the boardwalk or causes a storm drain to turn into a geyser. </li>
</ul>
<br />
Catching these events is extra important because these are the problems we want to plan to prevent with rising seas in the future.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKBxlZVWKg-81jxG-djhIoOma-fW86CG_Mj1Oiow_GRXeohJvtlTBvdba1l0OveWTun_xbs6xfMZbd-HMZDI5AAwGVi1ayX0_5bFdKs9fDL3Og6hjvXtc0EBcAdyhcHgyurq3YmY7sPID/s1600/King+Tides+Instagram+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKBxlZVWKg-81jxG-djhIoOma-fW86CG_Mj1Oiow_GRXeohJvtlTBvdba1l0OveWTun_xbs6xfMZbd-HMZDI5AAwGVi1ayX0_5bFdKs9fDL3Og6hjvXtc0EBcAdyhcHgyurq3YmY7sPID/s400/King+Tides+Instagram+1.jpg" width="400" /></a>Get friends and family involved in King Tides</h3>
Our annual King Tides make for a fun and novel opportunity to get your friends and family involved with science. It also provides a great chance to talk to kids about <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/whatis.htm">climate change</a> and sea level rise.<br />
<br />
The next round of King Tides are predicted at the coming holidays this year, so grab the family and head out to capture history—or the future, depending on how you look at it!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>For more information, visit our <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/ipa_hightide.htm">King Tides webpage</a>.</b></div>
<br />WA Department of Ecologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17211353558094402510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-51153756817278639262015-06-18T13:04:00.000-07:002015-06-26T14:59:25.419-07:00Eyes Over Puget Sound: More squishies, less crunchies<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/eops/EOPS_2015_6_8.pdf" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOkys5Irx6xPY-u8YF27bnoIHXBEEEcS4jcs7xjG8eGgQnw6c49XA6iHHtRJOY4xT6jWNkhyr4twzW8q_28cT7DAj3fALS5n8KkMCt9djXOc3qYE0_hEuo6Yd4FJ0wQpu44U572Xs4A/s640/2015%252C+6-10+photo+EOPS.png" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/eops/EOPS_2015_6_8.pdf" target="_blank">View this month's issue of Eyes Over Puget Sound</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In this month's edition of <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/surface.html" target="_blank">Eyes Over Puget Sound</a> we continue to see record warm water temperatures and low oxygen readings in our marine monitoring stations all across the Sound. These continue to be the warmest temperatures on record since 1989! On top of that, we're reading record low stream flows. This means harsh conditions for marine life.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Warm water + warm air + low rivers = harsh conditions for Puget Sound</span></b></div>
<br />
<h3>
More squishies, less crunchies</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKxHyZZ1CMQrTotAHnV89fnK8xSLbiBsSgyJYZenstSe8Ai7yq9_aGn1SaqKpW6r76wW4Dyc2Z6ttF1UFJHg7ABvYd3hyhsEop1ncNTe16bEPJ8wW1dnyi6KJ3Gt7DERg8xHFcc5Kpw/s1600/2015%252C+6-09+jellyfish+budd+inlet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKxHyZZ1CMQrTotAHnV89fnK8xSLbiBsSgyJYZenstSe8Ai7yq9_aGn1SaqKpW6r76wW4Dyc2Z6ttF1UFJHg7ABvYd3hyhsEop1ncNTe16bEPJ8wW1dnyi6KJ3Gt7DERg8xHFcc5Kpw/s320/2015%252C+6-09+jellyfish+budd+inlet.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A large increase in jellyfish were seen<br />
in the finger inlets of Budd and Eld inlet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We saw a lot of jellyfish during this flight over Puget Sound. What does that mean? Although they're fascinating to look at, jellyfish can indicate changes in the lower food web. Many people consider them a dead end to the food chain because they aren't eaten by many other species.<br />
<br />
When it comes to zooplankton, we've got two ends of the spectrum. The "crunchies," like small fish and shrimp, that are high in fatty acids and oils. Then, we've got the "squishies," like jellyfish, that are gelatinous and not nearly as nutritious for important species such as salmon.<br />
<br />
It's as if Puget Sound critters have been put on a diet when they're experiencing warm water and low dissolved oxygen. For us to see a boom in jellyfish populations, we suspect there is less nutritious food for the rest of the animals in the food web.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4X33DmekqkxQZ2bZj9N3GxDm3DRPPpDlKJmhWiXJJFTP4S-e-fef0L48KaHzybGzVnsg_VdmTa10TSg-tD8addKbAPGqNnh_sz-DJvEexAl22gaIna4OMGSZgmdGV-SiUPwAg1pmI9Q/s1600/pic+collage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4X33DmekqkxQZ2bZj9N3GxDm3DRPPpDlKJmhWiXJJFTP4S-e-fef0L48KaHzybGzVnsg_VdmTa10TSg-tD8addKbAPGqNnh_sz-DJvEexAl22gaIna4OMGSZgmdGV-SiUPwAg1pmI9Q/s320/pic+collage.JPG" width="320" /></a>Meet some intertidal filter feeders</h3>
Continue to learn about the creatures that live in the rocky intertidal part of Puget Sound.<br />
<br />
From butter clams to moon snails to sunflower stars, this place where the waters meet the land is full of strange and wonderful life. Our <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/wcc/" target="_blank">WCC AmeriCorps</a> intern Brook introduces you to these animals in this month's Personal Field Impressions section.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Blooms paint the waters gold</h3>
Abundant sun and unusually warm water temperatures are fueling phytoplankton and zooplankton blooms in many areas. We saw bright orange Noctiluca blooms surfacing in Commencement Bay and around Port Madison and many other parts of Puget Sound.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFDdcVj1i4YRYr5I7zhn6EANj80gUVEtA84odhQMMkLTAdhAVhrmORNQVwI3Vk9oJNo6V_QKj5jd2jm0rgXnfLvNqghgNVpawNwU57LeVX90Rbx9PADn5mKrurLzuU1XQ1DmbsAw7KQ/s1600/2015%252C+6-09+EOPS+flight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFDdcVj1i4YRYr5I7zhn6EANj80gUVEtA84odhQMMkLTAdhAVhrmORNQVwI3Vk9oJNo6V_QKj5jd2jm0rgXnfLvNqghgNVpawNwU57LeVX90Rbx9PADn5mKrurLzuU1XQ1DmbsAw7KQ/s640/2015%252C+6-09+EOPS+flight.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our team saw this large Noctiluca bloom in Commencement Bay as they flew across Puget Sound.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
What's Eyes Over Puget Sound?</h3>
Eyes Over Puget Sound combines high-resolution photo observations with satellite images, ferry data from travel between Seattle and Victoria BC, and measurements from our moored instruments. We use a seaplane to travel between our monitoring stations because they are so far apart.<br />
<br />
Once a month, we take photos of Puget Sound water conditions and turn those out, along with data from our stations, in the monthly Eyes Over Puget Sound report.<br />
<br />
Learn more and see other issues <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/surface.html" target="_blank">on our website</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-55629080400909258912015-05-29T15:54:00.000-07:002015-06-12T16:36:36.771-07:00Eyes Under Puget Sound: Our taxonomists “Name that species”!<h4>
By Maggie Dutch, Senior Benthic Ecologist, Environmental Assessment Program</h4>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHK53jQWVEQDXzznn2hDROAvOC24FUEW721_vmbiBVxF8PVXuis8cyaZd_2od2GJQXVxoVkCIlEdv35XavKf53y6pZvHKPKpqL_M9LuIo69F4BSU6cto6hnnGaJLsEPSJG9AiTRl3FLw/s1600/Taxonomist+Angela+Eagleston+in+the+lab+-+marine+sediment+monitoring+unit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHK53jQWVEQDXzznn2hDROAvOC24FUEW721_vmbiBVxF8PVXuis8cyaZd_2od2GJQXVxoVkCIlEdv35XavKf53y6pZvHKPKpqL_M9LuIo69F4BSU6cto6hnnGaJLsEPSJG9AiTRl3FLw/s320/Taxonomist+Angela+Eagleston+in+the+lab+-+marine+sediment+monitoring+unit.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
World-renowned ecologist, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E._O._Wilson" target="_blank">E.O. Wilson</a>, told us “If a biologist does not have the name of the species, he is lost” in his autobiography <i>Naturalist</i>.<br />
<br />
The scientists who work with our <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/psamp/index.htm" target="_blank">Marine Sediment Monitoring Team</a> share Dr. Wilson’s conviction, especially with regard to the over 1,200 species of tiny invertebrates they study. These little critters are known as “<a href="http://ecologywa.blogspot.com/2014/04/eyes-under-puget-sound-studying-puget.html" target="_blank">benthos</a>”, and they’re the animals that live in the sediments at the bottom of Puget Sound.<br />
<br />
Our scientists have been tracking benthos as part of their 26 years of sediment quality studies for the <a href="http://www.psp.wa.gov/MP_monitoring_program.php" target="_blank">Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program</a>. These creatures help us determine the condition of sediments throughout Puget Sound. They play an important role in the Puget Sound food chain, and with over 1,200 species, there is a lot to keep track of!<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxonomy_(biology)" target="_blank">Taxonomists </a></b>are scientists who deal with the description, identification, naming, and classification of organisms. We would like you to meet our two new taxonomists that recently joined the monitoring team.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EdmRO2mVG7RskK2kbYsBKGy1e48PMcPznAZR3OgWBn_oh3WTVkP_vjtRL2YIFIRRd8eDSj1-q4NzipjQdWIacRF0wYVMUGaqy10KtzYS-L4bfumRAYNUqIb2_N2iEKFgR_d74jyO_Q/s1600/Taxonomist+Dany+Burgess+in+the+field+-+marine+sediment+monitoring+unit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EdmRO2mVG7RskK2kbYsBKGy1e48PMcPznAZR3OgWBn_oh3WTVkP_vjtRL2YIFIRRd8eDSj1-q4NzipjQdWIacRF0wYVMUGaqy10KtzYS-L4bfumRAYNUqIb2_N2iEKFgR_d74jyO_Q/s320/Taxonomist+Dany+Burgess+in+the+field+-+marine+sediment+monitoring+unit.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I love being behind a microscope, <br />
where you can see all the tiny details <br />
that are missed in everyday observation." <br />
- Ecology taxonomist Dany Burgess</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
Meet taxonomist Dany Burgess</h3>
I grew up in Concord, North Carolina, where I developed an early fascination with the ocean despite only seeing it once a year during family trips to the beach.<br />
<br />
After receiving my B.S. in Marine Biology, I went on to conduct graduate research focused on the ecology of invertebrate communities on artificial and natural reefs off the coast of South Carolina. This involved many hours of identifying benthic organisms.<br />
<br />
I received my masters in Environmental Studies in 2008, spent the next six years working as a biologist at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Marine Resources Research Institute, and eventually found my way back to work as a taxonomist and manager at the Southeastern Regional Taxonomic Center.<br />
<br />
My daily activities at the Institute ranged from trawling for sea turtles to wading through waist-deep mud in tidal creeks, but my specialties and interests have always been marine invertebrate taxonomy and ecology. I love being behind a microscope, where you can see all the tiny details that are missed in everyday observation. As a recent transplant to the Pacific Northwest, I am very excited for the opportunity to join the Marine Sediment Monitoring Team and to learn about the amazing creatures that live in the sediments of Puget Sound!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Meet taxonomist Angela Eagleston</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7VtKz0rm64VGNFXwU1F3H_48XQ66crgi1S5a4KqD5o5dJliig5fhmjMTiLb-sCzfu50rDb7KqqFi-neHtaqykryNFHAmMHmLG2RIzrUOprewNhNAUWgnVI8HrNabT00Rt3Ut9AurCA/s1600/Taxonomist+Angela+Eagleston+in+the+field+-+marine+sediment+monitoring+unit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7VtKz0rm64VGNFXwU1F3H_48XQ66crgi1S5a4KqD5o5dJliig5fhmjMTiLb-sCzfu50rDb7KqqFi-neHtaqykryNFHAmMHmLG2RIzrUOprewNhNAUWgnVI8HrNabT00Rt3Ut9AurCA/s320/Taxonomist+Angela+Eagleston+in+the+field+-+marine+sediment+monitoring+unit.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I have always had a deep passion for the ocean environment<br />
and all creatures that live in it, no matter how big, small <br />
or weird looking!" - Ecology taxonomist Angela Eagleston</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For as long as I can remember, I have always had a deep passion for the ocean environment and all creatures that live in it, no matter how big, small or weird looking! I am extremely grateful and excited to be a part of the Marine Sediment Monitoring Team so that I can continue to explore and learn about the invertebrates in Puget Sound’s benthic communities.<br />
<br />
Originally from Austin, Texas, I graduated from the University of Texas with my B.S. in Marine and Freshwater Science. During my research-driven academic career, I spent much of my schooling at the Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas on the Gulf of Mexico conducting experiments and serving as a research assistant on various projects. I also worked abroad on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula where I was involved with tracking coral reef degradation and invertebrate diversity to assess the health of coral reef ecosystems in an area impacted by heavy tourism.<br />
<br />
Upon completing my degree, I moved to the Pacific Northwest to work at an environmental consulting and taxonomic production laboratory where I specialized in the identification of marine mollusks (snails and clams) and echinoderms (sea stars, sea cucumbers, etc.) from all around the world.<br />
<br />
<h3>
New adventures in taxonomy</h3>
Angela is currently focusing on the identification of Washington’s mollusks such as snails and clams, and echinoderms such as sea stars, sea cucumbers, sea urchins and sand dollars. Dany is focusing on identification of the “polychaetes” or marine worms, arthropods such as crabs and shrimp, and other creatures that are collected for the Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program.<br />
<br />
They are both tackling their new jobs with zeal and enthusiasm, and are quickly getting to know the myriad of species that inhabit the Puget Sound.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzk5uTE-gQ9BR2jA0YgV2__FiUwTMkrzJp6svI57qjc7wOOAXKUzbLWoh0nYJ1KFVPbRssBA-49nQYjIY1kpMLud5HuLEgIt43y8FNCkP2XVO_OljrC3IUhPFhg16E3pWaioOEvS3Zg/s1600/Taxonomists+Angela+Eagleston+and+Dany+Burgess+in+the+lab+-+marine+sediment+monitoring+unit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzk5uTE-gQ9BR2jA0YgV2__FiUwTMkrzJp6svI57qjc7wOOAXKUzbLWoh0nYJ1KFVPbRssBA-49nQYjIY1kpMLud5HuLEgIt43y8FNCkP2XVO_OljrC3IUhPFhg16E3pWaioOEvS3Zg/s400/Taxonomists+Angela+Eagleston+and+Dany+Burgess+in+the+lab+-+marine+sediment+monitoring+unit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
E.O. Wilson also writes… “Most children have a bug period. I never outgrew mine.” We believe that the same holds true for Dany and Angela…and we are glad they didn’t!<br />
<br />
You can track their work by following our <a href="http://ecologywa.blogspot.com/search/label/Eyes%20Under%20Puget%20Sound" target="_blank">Eyes Under Puget Sound blogs</a> and seeing up close microscope photos of the animals they’re identifying on our <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ecologywa/collections/72157636917218284/" target="_blank">Eyes Under Puget Sound Flickr</a> collection.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Critter of the Month</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXkFWJVgIX5PS7BTcToSQRbdue_W8oZ7TpOtplUg4fWEMUrtwWLOUTwBcNx2NNO212Sy2QUyztKvh_tzGyIXRhjKnA-UFTcH-OKcHITvo6w7nd09RhJwMT9jY-By0EP14op9Xmd4eZw/s1600/Dumbbell+worm%252C+Sternaspis+affinis+Stimpson+1864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXkFWJVgIX5PS7BTcToSQRbdue_W8oZ7TpOtplUg4fWEMUrtwWLOUTwBcNx2NNO212Sy2QUyztKvh_tzGyIXRhjKnA-UFTcH-OKcHITvo6w7nd09RhJwMT9jY-By0EP14op9Xmd4eZw/s320/Dumbbell+worm%252C+Sternaspis+affinis+Stimpson+1864.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet <i>Sternaspis affinis Stimpson, 1864, </i>better known as<br />
the Dumbbell worm, next Friday on our blog!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dany and Angela are going to be sharing their discoveries by bringing us a Benthic Critter of the Month. These posts will give you a peek into the life of Puget Sound’s least known inhabitants.<br />
<br />
In each issue we will highlight one of the Sound’s many fascinating invertebrates. We’ll share details on identification, habitat, life history and the role this critter plays in their sediment community!<br />
<br />
Look for May’s critter, the Dumbbell worm, next Friday on <a href="http://ecologywa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">our blog</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-254917675374321682015-03-20T09:00:00.000-07:002015-03-25T09:42:10.719-07:00Let’s Talk Science! Bugs and baby fish help scientists pinpoint stream pollution<h4>
By Jessica Payne, Environmental Assessment Program communications manager</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkc6BwB0TgulETLTciftsHcrlB73g1fos14lHGxYHI1Y44x8jg4RdSscB-nfNTlrTOn2sUQcc6ULOP63rbNjLhxivljOzrIkEhIYqD96sEqbNhKhnef2CJj_EEm8reJ-eo7cMsQBh6g/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkc6BwB0TgulETLTciftsHcrlB73g1fos14lHGxYHI1Y44x8jg4RdSscB-nfNTlrTOn2sUQcc6ULOP63rbNjLhxivljOzrIkEhIYqD96sEqbNhKhnef2CJj_EEm8reJ-eo7cMsQBh6g/s1600/009.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ecology scientists place trout eggs in Indian Creek<br />
to test stream health. Photo by: Ecology</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here at Ecology, <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/index.html">our scientists</a> study the environment in a
number of ways. Sometimes we're looking large scale and trying to investigate
the big issues that might harm humans, animals or the environment. Other times, we're knee-deep in your own backyard stream trying to track down
sources of pollution.</div>
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<br /><o:p></o:p></div>
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Scientists from our <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/index.html">Environmental Assessment Program</a>
recently worked on a project just like that. They wanted to find out where
pollution might be entering Indian Creek in Olympia. To answer this question, they focused
on the stream's ability to support baby fish and the food they need to survive
and grow. They tested for toxins in the stream water with baby trout.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For the study, they placed trout eggs into the creek at
different test sites and waited to see how they did in the water. If the water
is healthy, the fish should thrive. If it’s polluted with toxins, the fish will
be affected.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<h3>
<b>Bugs and baby fish</b></h3>
A standard way of testing water quality is by running a chemical analysis
through an instrument at a laboratory. However, many toxins can’t be detected
by chemical analysis. We don’t have the ability<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkSguFugAyHxKyzsLZF92vuQnIOwzL39nf2IE6O68d_oYQ5Usyi4lW9a66jq6a7v8kwdbuDKnsJnpLqQM83jlWzzoUVLUnxqNmr1UbBR1LqgNlccp9tJzk25xWcbdtzSpd1i6chyphenhyphenQ7A/s1600/Quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkSguFugAyHxKyzsLZF92vuQnIOwzL39nf2IE6O68d_oYQ5Usyi4lW9a66jq6a7v8kwdbuDKnsJnpLqQM83jlWzzoUVLUnxqNmr1UbBR1LqgNlccp9tJzk25xWcbdtzSpd1i6chyphenhyphenQ7A/s1600/Quote.jpg" /></a>to test for everything that’s
out there, and even for those that we can, there’s limited information
available to tell us how those chemicals will affect aquatic life. What’s more,
chemicals can have a very different effect on wildlife when they’re combined than
when they stand alone.<br />
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“Sometimes, biology is the best way to test the waters.”
said Brandee Era-Miller, our scientist running samples on the creek. “Why?
Animals will respond to any toxin or combination of toxins. We don’t always
have to know what’s in the water to see that it’s not good for fish.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Aside from fish, our scientists also tested soils, aquatic stream bugs, periphyton (the green slime on rocks), and groundwater that was entering the stream.</div>
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<h3>
<b>Where, what and how did we test?</b></h3>
We first monitored the stream in 2010. From that study, we knew there was a stormwater pipe carrying runoff from nearby parking lots that may be adding pollutants to the stream. We tested both upstream and downstream from that suspected source to verify if it was indeed a source of toxins.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjzJstnHAZe4SUElCa-_kUhnpVLDataaj8bjB-FxMTm9EY7Zs4wOF6Vb0u4TKYOhI6aCgmiheoSWo6qo4FRiCiNOTNZ7pWfrIQYxpPpxys1ru9Z7smr3tn3fkJCpm0wLXPq21RTGUfA/s1600/Fish+stages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjzJstnHAZe4SUElCa-_kUhnpVLDataaj8bjB-FxMTm9EY7Zs4wOF6Vb0u4TKYOhI6aCgmiheoSWo6qo4FRiCiNOTNZ7pWfrIQYxpPpxys1ru9Z7smr3tn3fkJCpm0wLXPq21RTGUfA/s1600/Fish+stages.jpg" height="640" style="cursor: move;" width="203" /></a>We looked to see if the fish could thrive in the stream. This means more
than just surviving; we also checked to see if they failed to hatch from their eggs,
if they had birth defects or stunted growth.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Fish are sensitive to different pollutants in each early
stage of their life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Those life stages include:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Eggs</b></li>
<li><b>Alevin stage</b> - when they look like a fish but the egg
is still attached</li>
<li><b>Fry </b>- fully formed, but tiny, baby fish</li>
</ul>
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<h3>
<b>Our results</b></h3>
What did we find out from this research? Two main things. First, we learned that
the test itself was successful; that trout early lifestage testing can be done in
streams to directly assess environmental conditions. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Second, results from the tests showed that the creek was a
healthy habitat for fish at the upper site, but impaired at the lower one. What
does this mean? Baby fish were more likely to survive and grow into healthy fry
at the site upstream from the stormwater pipe than the one downstream.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<h3>
<b>Why this research
matters</b></h3>
Not only did we use this method of research to identify sources of
pollution for Indian Creek, we also tested a system that is accessible and
affordable for all communities. This biological test is an easy and fairly
affordable method that local cities, counties and even volunteers could use to
test the health of their streams. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Running chemical analysis for every known toxicant in the
stream is <i>very</i> expensive; this gives
communities a way to find out how healthy their streams are without that cost. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Want read details of the study? </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can find
them on our Environmental Assessment Program <a href="https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/1403050.html">report summary webpage</a>.</div>
</div>
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You can also read a detailed review in the city of Olympia’s
<a href="http://www.streamteam.info/pdf/newsletter-2015-spring.pdf">STREAM TEAM
spring newsletter</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<h3>
<b>How <i>you</i> can protect your streams</b></h3>
It’s important for people to know the health of the streams in their neighborhood.
It’s even more important for them to know how to protect those streams from toxic
chemicals and contaminated stormwater runoff. <o:p></o:p><br />
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You can start by <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/washington_waters/stormwater.html">learning what
stormwater</a> is online and taking our <a href="https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/waterspledge/StormWater.aspx">stormwater quiz</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
Every small action makes a difference. <b>Learn what you can do</b> to protect your water on our <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/washington_waters/whatyoucando.html">Washington
Waters</a> webpages and at <a href="http://www.pugetsoundstartshere.org/category/how-to-help/">Puget Sound
Starts Here</a>.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00lyBlc6CleJ4cISzoJQtOq7NEvgidibmI9PH-rWD0P7lF-zlda8nQ662ZAN6vIHnol4Sbuc8uAriNZjZ7TofCRHjvFbHbRjhXeRlQyT_OKNNP6ol3vStu9HqlRtXthAsHA3rvGIrRQ/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00lyBlc6CleJ4cISzoJQtOq7NEvgidibmI9PH-rWD0P7lF-zlda8nQ662ZAN6vIHnol4Sbuc8uAriNZjZ7TofCRHjvFbHbRjhXeRlQyT_OKNNP6ol3vStu9HqlRtXthAsHA3rvGIrRQ/s1600/023.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
More about the Environmental Assessment Program</h3>
Ecology houses a department of scientists that work to measure and assess environmental conditions in Washington. We work hard to understand the state's land, air and water to keep everyone healthier. To learn more about us and the type of research we do, please visit the <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/index.html">Environmental Assessment Program</a> webpage.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-7886557552381934602014-02-10T08:00:00.000-08:002014-02-11T09:16:47.413-08:00Let’s Talk Science: A pH SolutionBy Brook Beeler,
Communication Manager, Eastern Region
<br />
<br />
We are all familiar with the term acid and we often hear about the pH scale, but what does it really mean? What is the pH scale really
all about?
<br />
<br />
It is a delicate dance at the molecular level. Let’s break it down.
<br />
<br />
<h3>
The foundational parts</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-kGJDJHRJRybWCyyzmomerhs-CSMMJBYmHt1MYquGaddLYoSZ7rF10SJZ62Jxv9xweYX-cRQkX37LbKqjLtv2W-QJOSwwPiCgbG-1t0qN0VksZMP2MA-1ALb99f060d1JZOliI18bkW-/s1600/Water_molecule.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Water molecule" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-kGJDJHRJRybWCyyzmomerhs-CSMMJBYmHt1MYquGaddLYoSZ7rF10SJZ62Jxv9xweYX-cRQkX37LbKqjLtv2W-QJOSwwPiCgbG-1t0qN0VksZMP2MA-1ALb99f060d1JZOliI18bkW-/s1600/Water_molecule.png" height="200" title="" width="175" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water molecules are made up of<br />
one oxygen atom and two hydrogens.<br />
Distilled water has a neutral pH of 7.<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Molecules are made of atoms and are generally considered
neutral, meaning they do not have a positive or negative electrical charge. Water
is an example of a neutral molecule made of one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms. A neutral molecule is considered stable and
happy.
<br />
<br />
In the molecular world, though, being happy isn’t always
good enough. Molecules are often in a state of flux. The atoms that make up
molecules tend to move around a lot. Molecules may break apart to form ions,
which do have a positive or negative electrical charge. Ions can be an atom or
multiple atoms combined. If our water molecule breaks apart, the likely
combinations of ions would be positively charged hydrogen and oxygen bonded to
hydrogen or hydroxide, resulting in a negative charge.
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Acid and base</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0aP2H8fz002GJLd-O0S2Qi6jX2cSo-d7U2TlVYt5BK8oPbR2O1b0l12q7ViGUmwEvaXgxdr6NXx-FZDYWcPxE2gWTSkv7Hf0fYpBtl-nJBvykBP0i7q56hIx7re-MYPpujZIq4JCBVe-/s1600/pHscale_common.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0aP2H8fz002GJLd-O0S2Qi6jX2cSo-d7U2TlVYt5BK8oPbR2O1b0l12q7ViGUmwEvaXgxdr6NXx-FZDYWcPxE2gWTSkv7Hf0fYpBtl-nJBvykBP0i7q56hIx7re-MYPpujZIq4JCBVe-/s400/pHscale_common.png" /></a>The pH scale helps scientists measure whether or not a solution is acidic or basic. In chemistry, a solution is defined by one substance being dissolved in another. Solutions are easiest to understand as a liquid, but it is important to note that they also exist in gas and solid forms.
<br />
<br />
An acid is a solution that has a higher concentration of
positively charged hydrogen ions (H) than negatively charged hydroxide ions (OH).
Common examples of acids are lemon juice and vinegar. A base has a higher
concentration of OH ions. Common examples are baking soda and household ammonia.
<br />
The scale ranges from 0 to 14. Smack dab in the middle (7)
is considered neutral, which is neither acidic nor basic. And what substance do
you suppose comes in at that number? Our happy water molecule. When water is in
a pure or distilled state, it measures a pH of 7.
The lower the number (0-7), the more acidic it’s considered. And the higher the
number (7 to 14), the more basic it is.
<br />
<br />
The pH scale may seem small, but each whole number represents
a ten-fold leap in concentration of either H ions or OH ions. For example, rain
is slightly acidic with a pH that measures about six. A grapefruit is
approximately three on the pH scale. That means that a grapefruit is 1,000
times more acidic than rain.
<br />
<br />
Both acids and bases play important roles. They help us
clean and, in some cases, make delicious salad dressings. However, an
overabundance of solutions that are too high or too low on the pH scale can
cause problems with our health and the environment.
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Our work related to pH</h3>
pH affects people and the environment and can be toxic. At
very high or very low pH levels, those charged ions dancing around in solutions
want to find a mate of the opposite charge. They woo neutral molecules,
attracting them away from stability. For example, metals like aluminum become
soluble at a low pH. This means it is more likely to dissolve and move through
a solution and make its way into drinking water or the food chain. That’s no
good.
<br />
<br />
In bodies of water, pH is generally very stable and the
value doesn’t change much. However, if we notice that pH values change, it’s
likely an indication that some sort of pollution is affecting the water.<o:p></o:p>
<br />
<br />
So we pay attention to pH. We require wastewater discharges and air
permits to address pH. It is a parameter often addressed in our <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/tmdl/">water quality improvement plans</a>.
It can also indicate if a waste material is dangerous and has specific disposal
requirements according to state laws.
<br />
<br />
Holcim Inc. Toxics
Cleanup Site’s problem is with pH. Holcim owns property along the Spokane River in Spokane
Valley where soil and groundwater is contaminated with cement kiln dust.<o:p></o:p>
<br />
<br />
Holcim and its predecessor companies operated a cement
manufacturing plant at the site until 1967. Cement kiln dust, a byproduct of
cement manufacturing, was landfilled on the northern portion of the site before
Washington state laws for <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/hwtr/managewaste.html">dangerous waste</a>
prevented that practice.<o:p></o:p>
<br />
<br />
Cement kiln dust has a high pH and is considered caustic. Because
we pay attention to pH and the complex nature of groundwater, proximity to the
river and location of drinking water wells, Ecology required the parties
responsible to investigate the contamination and evaluate cleanup options.<o:p></o:p>
<br />
<br />
This cleanup site is in early stages of the cleanup process.
But Ecology is continuing to work with the property owner to give this site a
clean bill of health. A cleanup option will be selected and implemented
ensuring that there is a pH solution for the health of people and the
environment.
<br />
<br />
For current information visit the <a href="https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/gsp/Sitepage.aspx?csid=4580" target="_blank">Holcim Inc. cleanup site
webpage</a>.
<br />
<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-50783270962047939942013-05-28T13:46:00.000-07:002013-05-29T11:56:19.236-07:00Sharing the magic of green chemistry with high school teachers
By Saskia van Bergen, green chemistry scientist, Hazardous
Waste Toxic Reduction Program
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/hwtr/P2/greenchem_ecy.html" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhYqjaM_HVT2V-uH1ye4I7kUGTvZiyLZqBBpTNAEgfPndcFzLrAN0O7nNWVb6i21JISCN4VB1W3mynHPn3YyRFMzESEMWW5rCT7Bs7gcawrLxWDIl-e4jMMXREfEyk2PhGvcLYSB8bqJ4/s320/greenchem.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 9px 9px;" /></a>When I was a student in a lab, I knew very little of the
chemical and safety hazards of the experiments we did. From my perspective, the materials magically
appeared and disappeared. I didn’t know
what went on behind the scenes. I thought very little about the health risks of
chemicals we used. This continued into
college where I majored in chemistry. Even though I took a class in environmental chemistry, it wasn’t until I
worked on my senior thesis that I started learning more about the potential
hazards of chemicals. Some toxic
chemicals pose an immediate health threat. Others can gradually build up in the
environment and in our bodies, causing harm to the environment and disease long
after first use.
<br />
<br />
<h3>Benign by Design</h3>
One of the reasons I love my job here at Ecology is that we
are helping to improve products and our quality of life by using the principles
of <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/sustainability/greenchem.html">Green
Chemistry</a>. These principles help Washington State businesses be more
profitable and competitive while protecting human health and the environment. Green
chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or
eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. Some people call this
“Benign by Design” or pollution prevention at the most basic level.
<br />
<br />
We think educating the next generation of scientists in
green chemistry is a necessary first step toward preventing pollution through
safer, greener chemical products and processes. Unless the future scientists
first learn about green chemistry in school, it won’t enter widespread practice.
<br />
<br />
Ecology is partnering with Beyond Benign to share a Green
Chemistry Webinar Series for high school science teachers. Join us for one, two
or all three webinars dedicated to providing useful tools and resources for
integrating green chemistry into the high school classroom and laboratory. Find
out why and how green chemistry can be used to teach core chemistry concepts
while at the same time inspiring students to create the next generation of
sustainable products and processes.
<br />
<br />
<h3>Green Chemistry Webinar Series:</h3>
<div style="margin-left:24px;">
<u><b>May 30th - Introducing Green Chemistry into the High School Webinar:</b></u>
<br />
This webinar will focus on green chemistry basics with a
short introduction to the 12 key principles. Highlighted in this webinar will
be multi-disciplinary lessons for introducing green chemistry and teachers’
personal experiences of how they have introduced green chemistry to their
students.
<br />
<br />
<u><b>June 6th - Connecting Chemistry Concepts to Cutting-Edge Science Innovations Webinar:</b></u>
This webinar will focus on lessons and units designed to
highlight and connect chemistry concepts with current chemistry-related
inventions and discoveries over the past 20 years. Review Presidential Green
Chemistry Challenge Award-Winning Case Studies and units linking chemistry
concepts to cosmetics, solar energy and biomimicry.
<br />
<br />
<u><b>June 13th - Safer Chemistry: Drop-In Replacement Labs Webinar:</b></u>
This webinar will focus on labs that cover the same content
as traditional labs, but use more environmentally friendly materials. The
focus will be on labs that reduce the risk in the laboratory setting by
targeting the hazard rather than the exposure. Replacement labs that will be
highlighted will be: reactions: single, double, composition & decomposition;
equilibrium and flame test.
</div>
<br /><br />
<h3>Register Now</h3>
To register, go to <a href="https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/6390260775939252992">https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/6390260775939252992</a>
<br />
<br />
For more information visit our <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/hwtr/P2/greenchem_ecy.html">Green Chemistry website</a>
<hr align="left" width="400px">
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-26373925343979383362012-10-24T09:59:00.000-07:002013-10-17T10:38:03.999-07:00Let’s Talk Science! Technology behind monitoring fine particle pollution By Brook Beeler, environmental educator, Office of Communication and Education<br />
<br>
Why do we monitor air quality in Washington state? Why, it’s a little thing called the <a href="http://www.epa.gov/lawsregs/laws/caa.html" target="_blank">Clean Air Act</a>. We have an extensive network of monitors across the state to help us keep tabs on the seven air pollutants outlined by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. These <a href="http://www.epa.gov/air/criteria.html" target="_blank">standards</a> for carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, fine particles, larger particles, and ozone are set to protect health.<br />
<br />Unhealthy air is a big problem for public health. A mountain of scientific evidence has shown that fine particle pollution aggravates and causes heart and lung disease and can even result in death in some instances. While fine particle pollution can result in serious health problems for anyone, the people most sensitive to air pollution include:<br />
<ul>
<li>Infants and children</li>
<li>Older adults (those 65 and older)</li>
<li>People with lung and heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or those with a current respiratory infection.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Extensive network monitors particle pollution</h3>
Our <a href="https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/Default.ltr.aspx" target="_blank">air monitoring network</a> is large, with more than 60 monitoring stations across the state. Because particle pollution represents the single biggest air pollution health threat, the vast majority of our network monitors measure those fine particles. Other pollutants, such as ozone, are also measured, but our main focus is fine particles. The large number of monitors that we are able to operate across the state is primarily due to an investment that we’ve made into a cost-effective, accurate surrogate for measuring fine particles known as nephelometers.<br />
<br />
<div style="float:right; width:320px; margin:0 0 9px 9px; color:#336699;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-Ktg7Lzp9IfpWxchgfYwKapwyM5AyK9L4cvFFqC8aouL3ckLMq7F8EU77_yDVdJJqxzVhW0ogECC-4jKcX8j-Nv7OCTDru_rVfX2wFTpN3l8ym8I-qRcoYAm6kJwoJ4WfNhxA3UADIpn/s1600/Terry_Ganuelas2.JPG"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-Ktg7Lzp9IfpWxchgfYwKapwyM5AyK9L4cvFFqC8aouL3ckLMq7F8EU77_yDVdJJqxzVhW0ogECC-4jKcX8j-Nv7OCTDru_rVfX2wFTpN3l8ym8I-qRcoYAm6kJwoJ4WfNhxA3UADIpn/s320/Terry_Ganuelas2.JPG" width="320" /></a><br>
Yakama Nation station operator Terry Ganuelas services theYakama Nation station operator Terry Ganuelas services the nephelometer (the cream-colored instrument) at Toppenish.</div>The national standard for measuring particle pollution is a labor-intensive and operationally expensive process that uses filters. A sample of air is run through a filter with a pump. After sampling, the filter is collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis. This can take weeks or even months for the lab to analyze the filter and determine what pollution levels were like on the day the sample was run. <br />
<br />
In contrast, the vast majority of our near “real time” monitoring data comes from an instrument that actually measures visibility, called a nephelometer. Nephelometers measure the amount of light that bounces off fine particles in units called back scatter (bscat). Generally, the less light that “scatters,” the cleaner the air.<br />
<br />
“We have found that in most areas of Washington state, our nephelometers report bscat levels that closely track fine particle concentrations,” said Sean Lundblad, quality assurance specialist. In other words, when bscat is high <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9A71m7-ReQ" target="_blank">fine particle pollution</a> is high. When particle pollution is high the air is unhealthy.<br />
<br />
<h3>Low-tech solution to provide real time data</h3>
In the Pacific Northwest, the types of particles in our air allow the nephelometer to work well. Over time, we have tracked monitoring trends and we have been able to correlate the nephelometer data to deliver near real-time air quality information to the public. <br />
<br />
Technology for monitoring air is changing. Filter-based monitor sampling is labor intensive and operationally expensive even though the instruments are not necessarily very costly. More importantly, filter-based sampling provided no information to the public about current air pollution to help people protect their health. Newer monitors are equipped with digital outputs so the data can be polled, stored in central databases, and distributed to public websites in near real time. Ecology and its partners have purchased several of these newer monitors. However, these instruments are still very expensive. Therefore, we continue to rely primarily on our nephelometers to provide data on air pollution levels.<br />
<br />“The benefits of technology can’t be overstated,” Lundblad said. “The use of cheaper, near real time monitors has allowed us to operate a much larger network than was once possible given the same number of station operators. And, because nephelometers are easier to maintain, our operators don’t need to visit the monitoring sites as often so their time is freed up to do other important air quality work.”<br />
<br />Our monitoring network is the best of both worlds. In order to save tax-payer dollars we employ nephelometers in areas that are generally low in pollution. They are inexpensive and allow us to directly distribute the data to websites in near real time. <br />
<br />
In a world where technology is rapidly changing how we do our work, sometimes the best technology is still the simplest one.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-51167191103883740612012-08-21T10:33:00.000-07:002014-02-24T14:37:49.270-08:00Classroom Invaders – students and teachers unknowingly spreading invasive speciesBy Brook Beeler, environmental educator, Office of Communication and Education<br />
<br />
I recently received a forwarded newsletter from a colleague with the introduction, “Darn science teachers!” What on earth could he be referring to? Science teachers are awesome!<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.cbbulletin.com/422068.aspx" target="_blank">Columbia Basin Bulletin</a> distributed a newsletter article about how teachers are inadvertently releasing invasive species into the environment. According to a study funded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and conducted by Sea Grant, my colleague was complaining about a common issue across the U.S. and Canada. Of teachers surveyed one out of four educators who used live animals as part of their science curriculum released the organisms into the wild after they were done using them in the classroom. <br />
<br />
<div style="color: #336699; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 9px 9px; width: 320px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5afSRJk7cN-uhtVAH-K6ka_tPqFFPlLRvlvWfQJICv3rZd2wqB-7AL3BXyFXcSkhcoe9fDK_9p5JZuxzfCj2_Ti11j9tMFwFSNuS0V_HGzVsxyB_C5x918CvNgt0sn3DWE7SQPI4A0hKi/s1600/signal_crayfish.jpg"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5afSRJk7cN-uhtVAH-K6ka_tPqFFPlLRvlvWfQJICv3rZd2wqB-7AL3BXyFXcSkhcoe9fDK_9p5JZuxzfCj2_Ti11j9tMFwFSNuS0V_HGzVsxyB_C5x918CvNgt0sn3DWE7SQPI4A0hKi/s320/signal_crayfish.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Washington has only one native crayfish species, the signal crayfish (<i>Pacifasticus leniusculus</i>). Invasive species have begun to appear in norhtwest rivers.</div>
Researchers found as many as 1,000 different organisms used by the teachers. Many of these species are known or potential invasive species including elodea, crayfishes, amphibians, mosquito fish, red-eared slider turtles and other aquatic plants and snails. <br />
<br />
So what does it mean to be an invasive species? Some non-native species are benign or may even be good for the environment. But populations of other non-native species explode after introduction, significantly harming the environment or human health. Invasive species may harm native species by competing against them for food, space or other resources. They can endanger human health by introducing parasites and pathogens. Once established, most nonnative species are impossible to eliminate.<br />
<br />
In the northwest, the crayfish has been identified as a particular “invader of interest.”<br />
<br />
Non-native crayfish frequently: <br />
<ul>
<li>displace native crayfish,
</li>
<li>reduce the amount and kinds of aquatic plants,
</li>
<li>decrease the density and variety of invertebrates (animals lacking a backbone), and
</li>
<li>reduce some fish populations.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="color: #336699; width: 500px;">
You can learn more about the non-native crayfish in the Northwest from this Oregon Field Guide segment from 2011.<br />
<script src="http://media.opb.org/clips/embed/wE14338s20120821093935.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <br />
Oregon Field Guide: Crayfish Invasion Eastern crayfish invade Oregon rivers through a surprise route: 4th Grade classrooms. </div>
<br />
<h3>
Looking for solutions in Washington</h3>
Don’t forget, in my opinion, science teachers are awesome! In the same survey where teachers reported releasing invasive species they also told researchers they don’t want to be part of the problem. They want to be part of the solution.<br />
<br />
In Washington several organizations have gathered together to come up with a solution. The University of Washington, Pacific Education Institute, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) have collaborated to get local, native crayfish into classrooms. <br />
<br />
OSPI <a href="http://www.k12.wa.us/Science/Resources.aspx" target="_blank">resources for teachers</a> that use crayfish in the classroom include:<br />
<ul>
<li>WDFW general <a href="http://www.k12.wa.us/BulletinsMemos/memos2010/M056-10Attach.pdf" target="_blank">Crayfish Permit</a> (PDF)
</li>
<li>Tips on <a href="http://www.k12.wa.us/Science/pubdocs/Crayfishcardrackcard.pdf" target="_blank">crayfish care and handling</a> in the classroom (PDF)
</li>
<li>Tips on <a href="http://www.k12.wa.us/Science/pubdocs/Crayfishbrochure.pdf" target="_blank">observing and collecting crayfish in the field</a> (PDF)</li>
</ul>
<br />
Having live species to observe and care for is an important component of student learning. It is much more engaging for students to see the “structures of life” first hand. Caring for an organism and learning about the proper components of its ecosystem, rather than watching a video clip or reading about it in a book, also increases student enthusiasm. As scientists and researchers undertake the multi-pronged approach to educate teachers and citizens, the message filters into the classroom. Our students aren’t just learning about crayfish; they are gaining an understanding of our environment.<br />
<br />
<h3>
What you can do</h3>
Learn more about invasive plants and animals in Washington and how they are being managed from <a href="http://www.wise.wa.gov/" target="_blank">Washington Invasive Species Education</a> (WISE) webpage.<br />
<br />
If you think you have spotted an invasive species you can report sightings:<br />
<ul>
<li>Hotline: 1-877-9-INFEST <br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.invasivespecies.wa.gov/sighting_form.shtml" target="_blank">Online Reporting Form</a><br />
</li>
<li>E-mail: <a href="mailto:invasivespecies@rco.wa.gov">invasivespecies@rco.wa.gov</a></li>
</ul>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-10808171998371781272012-07-25T14:38:00.001-07:002013-10-17T10:38:51.720-07:00Let’s Talk Science: Breaking down decomposersBy Brook Beeler, environmental educator, Office of Communication and Education<br />
<br />
Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential building blocks for living organisms. These elements and others, like carbon, allow organisms to create cells, tissue, and provide energy to complete their life processes. Nitrogen and phosphorus, also known as “nutrients”, are an integral part of living organisms. These nutrients continue to be important to the ecosystem even after the organisms die. If it weren’t for an essential part of the food web known as decomposers these nutrients would forever be trapped in dead plants (like lawn clippings and dead leaves) and animals.<br />
<br />
<div style="float:right; margin:0 0 9px 9px; width:400px; color:#336699;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHZPAOKoTuHp-8I6xH34Y5_4s3DOyg_R6sfjrc4eSfzT2-BCU0hOlITFAt0I0B9fwMaRfHuANnrGjoclzDdfw7Q5kWQiiouviUsDK0ikiuBzS6lk7XH-t-9HbDyU2QWtZkLk0kalpqd5m/s1600/Food+Web+edit+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHZPAOKoTuHp-8I6xH34Y5_4s3DOyg_R6sfjrc4eSfzT2-BCU0hOlITFAt0I0B9fwMaRfHuANnrGjoclzDdfw7Q5kWQiiouviUsDK0ikiuBzS6lk7XH-t-9HbDyU2QWtZkLk0kalpqd5m/s400/Food+Web+edit+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Decomposers, like the ones pictured in this simplified aquatic version, are an important part of the food web. They break down dead organisms and release nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus for other organisms to use.
</div>
Decomposers, such as fungi, bacteria, and invertebrates like earthworms and insects, work to break down the cells and other structures that made up any living organism. <a href="http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/tdc02.sci.life.oate.decompose/" target="_blank">Watch this short video</a> that shows how decomposers are nature’s “trash collectors”. In the process of breaking down dead plants and animals, decomposers do two important things: <br />
<br />
1) They use oxygen to gain energy and drive their own life processes. <br />
2) They release nutrients back into the environment for other organisms to use.<br />
<br />
Understanding these two functions of the decomposer might just help with the bigger picture. Because when you insert human behaviors into the system we can have a big impact on the outcome.<br /><br />
<h3>Nutrient pollution</h3>
Nutrient pollution is a well documented problem in our waters in the US. You can learn more about it from this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCicSNnKUvM" target="_blank">short EPA video</a>. Nutrients can directly make their way to waters in a variety of ways including <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/washington_waters/stormwater.html" target="_blank">stormwater runoff.</a> When these nutrients hit a lake or river, they act as a fertilizer, accelerating plant and algae growth. It is when the plants and algae die that decomposers step in to do their job. <br />
<br />
So as decomposers kick their cycle into high gear, remember they are 1) using oxygen and 2) releasing more nutrients back into the environment. As they consume the oxygen in water there is less available for fish and other aquatic life. Low oxygen also means that some bodies of water may not meet Washington’s water quality standards. <br /><br />
<h3>Yard waste can create pollution</h3>
Remember the example of grass clippings and dead leaves? These happen to be great food for decomposers. As they break down dead plant tissue, they are freeing nutrients, which in turn make great food for your yard and garden. However, often times this yard waste is improperly disposed. Dumping grass clippings near storm drains, into ditches, and even directly into water can add up to a big nutrient pollution problem. You can learn more about proper disposal of grass clippings from our <a href="https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/publications/1210002.pdf" target="_blank">Focus on Clean and Healthy Waters</a>. <br />
<br />
One person’s yard waste may not make a big difference, but when many people do it, the decomposing yard waste can be very harmful to water and fish. So keep yard waste away from streams and lakes. Here are a few other ways that you can prevent nutrient pollution in your local lake, river, and Puget Sound. <br />
<ul>
<li> Have an on-site septic system? <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/washington_waters/septic.html" target="_blank">Check it, fix it, maintain it.</a><br />
<li> Do you love your pets? <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/washington_waters/dogpoop.html" target="_blank">Scoop the poop. Bag it. Trash it.</a><br />
<li> Have a small farm? <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/washington_waters/farms.html" target="_blank">Manage manure. Collect, cover, compost.</a>
</ul>
You can learn about these and many other ways to protect our water at our <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/washington_waters/yardcare.html" target="_blank">Washington Waters website</a>.<br />
<hr align=left width=400px>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-64153966609233380222012-06-11T16:57:00.000-07:002018-12-12T09:33:08.039-08:00Enviro ed journal features Ecology’s Hanford outreach effortsBy <a href="mailto:erika.holmes@ecy.wa.gov" target="_blank">Erika Bronson</a>, Community Outreach & Environmental Education, <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/nwp/" target="_blank">Nuclear Waste Program</a> <br />
<br />
<div style="float: left; margin: 0 9px 9px 0; width: 200px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmwZaL5QHTucv4InPshqFF5mKzxlky9fnvx4l8h1YQVNWhzGzk8kPRieFOhAjGMvRrPP8nHVevxo6r09UuYbaoeF3PZ13z-FU16M6VUoXDOfOCw1wT1alKwRBH747C3FcO2A_DFrplvA/s1600/ErikaReachHeadShot.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" fba="true" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmwZaL5QHTucv4InPshqFF5mKzxlky9fnvx4l8h1YQVNWhzGzk8kPRieFOhAjGMvRrPP8nHVevxo6r09UuYbaoeF3PZ13z-FU16M6VUoXDOfOCw1wT1alKwRBH747C3FcO2A_DFrplvA/s200/ErikaReachHeadShot.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Late last year, the environmental education journal <a href="http://www.clearingmagazine.org/online/" target="_blank"><em>Clearing</em></a> put out a call for articles for their annual compendium issue. With the majority of readers in, and content focused on, the Pacific Northwest, I figured it would be a great opportunity to share ways teachers can bring Hanford into their lessons. <br />
<br />
The article covers some of the service-learning projects we’ve done with college students, and shorter classroom activities we’ve done with younger students. In addition, it has sections overviewing Hanford history, the cleanup effort, and Hanford-related classroom resources. <br />
<br />
To read “Hands-on Hanford: Linking lessons to the world’s largest environmental cleanup” in the <a href="http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1woew/CLEARINGCompendium20/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clearingmagazine.org%2Fonline%2Fabout" target="_blank">Clearing Compendium</a>, skip to page 24 after opening it online.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1woew/CLEARINGCompendium20/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clearingmagazine.org%2Fonline%2Fabout" target="_blank"><img border="0" fba="true" height="409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhKXnA9SrDPmtIXfJwTCRrUxA6UgZeG5tZEy9cLZDSA-e3jAuniJSE28PEXoaT24R8aP56xVASoGZ51gd8-KM-UmGV7uhJqo7pwxj4nMFm0JHeFN9gJMezD8SI9jsbwiOOD81FzT_4oo/s640/Clearing_Compendium2011.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<hr align="left" width="400px" />
Erika Beresovoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01463581067686705369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-45926321734134551772012-04-05T16:22:00.001-07:002014-02-06T11:06:51.351-08:00Washington, Oregon hook up on Hanford presentations at Oregon State<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYopJKFCbPHWxFG9icFCV5z07q3h1DXzAlfYr-PKx13U_ZOlVKujmsbCG7IRuRCWy5P77x1Kay24-9hsmafu1ddYFvcG21ETf4HIsCNN5GMkETdvA_KCHCYGqYgjBbDN1v1G3K8y3Zuc/s1600/DieterHeadShot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dieter Bohrmann, Communications Consultant" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYopJKFCbPHWxFG9icFCV5z07q3h1DXzAlfYr-PKx13U_ZOlVKujmsbCG7IRuRCWy5P77x1Kay24-9hsmafu1ddYFvcG21ETf4HIsCNN5GMkETdvA_KCHCYGqYgjBbDN1v1G3K8y3Zuc/s200/DieterHeadShot.JPG" height="150" nda="true" title="Dieter Bohrmann, Communications Consultant" width="106" /></a>By <a href="mailto:dboh461@ecy.wa.gov" target="_blank">Dieter Bohrmann</a>, Communications Consultant, <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/nwp/index.html">Nuclear Waste Program</a> <br />
<br />
John Price and I ventured down to Oregon State University (OSU) on February 23 to talk about <a href="http://www.hanford.gov/" target="_blank">Hanford</a> with students and faculty, as well as other Corvallis residents. We were joined on the visit by Ken Niles from the <a href="http://www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/NUCSAF/" target="_blank">Oregon Department of Energy</a>, and Max Power, chair of the <a href="http://www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/NUCSAF/HCB/hwboard.shtml" target="_blank">Oregon Hanford Cleanup Board</a>. <br />
<br />
Our first presentation was with students in OSU’s Master’s in Public Policy program. Hanford has many policy issues to consider, such as budget decisions, risk issues, tribal obligations, and natural resource damage assessments. For many of the students, this was their first introduction to Hanford, and they had a lot of good questions. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UJWH6AtFrYxpMw4tix4bbyYzZrca0i1Nvlm5a8kQn4MODYP2anTAsy861MQ_ZUyGNpvT6_BdhU-vct2_wD3yAVbLk6v09lYBjAbvr1w2jybW-BXpaPhrRIGo9KvORzKiT5-7mw6BkEw/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ecology's John Price talks about Hanford." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UJWH6AtFrYxpMw4tix4bbyYzZrca0i1Nvlm5a8kQn4MODYP2anTAsy861MQ_ZUyGNpvT6_BdhU-vct2_wD3yAVbLk6v09lYBjAbvr1w2jybW-BXpaPhrRIGo9KvORzKiT5-7mw6BkEw/s320/039.JPG" height="240" nda="true" title="Ecology's John Price talks about Hanford." width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ecology's John Price talks about Hanford.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our second presentation was sponsored by the university’s Student Sustainability Initiative. The evening event drew about 50 people to Gilfillan Auditorium on campus. We had a good mix of Hanford newcomers and others who obviously knew something about the history and the cleanup efforts. <br />
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Overall, people appreciated the opportunity to talk about Hanford issues and get the perspectives of both states involved in the cleanup. The groups also enjoyed the animated video, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUotagJ-tFM" target="_blank">What’s in Hanford’s Backyard</a>, that was shown during both presentations. The video was created by students at Washington State University Tri-Cities through a project created by Ecology. One student also <a href="http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/historyofscience/2012/02/27/reflection-cleaning-up-hanfords-waste/" target="_blank">blogged</a> about our visit. <br />
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Corvallis hasn’t traditionally been visited frequently by the agencies involved in Hanford cleanup. But there was genuine interest from both students and residents in what’s happening at the Site, and it’s a relationship we believe we can build on.<br />
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For more photos from Ecology's visit to OSU, see the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.268808393196059.63009.120189844724582&type=3&l=17740e412a" target="_blank">album</a> on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/HanfordEducation" target="_blank">Hanford Education & Outreach Facebook page</a>.<br />
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Erika Beresovoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01463581067686705369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-3785749743170583992012-03-20T10:35:00.018-07:002012-03-22T15:58:39.809-07:00Let’s Talk Science! Gravity, the moon, and all this talk of King TidesBy Brook Beeler, Environmental Educator, Office of Communication and Education<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxkZc5SR41tNrPlGjK60VeVsh4FtatgRm-yCpJCfcWKXQFExtl12WQrN4f58Czr0s_OofKURUkkmYF17zcYQ-eJuGP_UVt35Q8LOcV5yGcEX9IaRtSZoGZZCcYoAQuqurCTUVrLEOTwhg/s1600/earth-moon+pull.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 185px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722094331816498098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxkZc5SR41tNrPlGjK60VeVsh4FtatgRm-yCpJCfcWKXQFExtl12WQrN4f58Czr0s_OofKURUkkmYF17zcYQ-eJuGP_UVt35Q8LOcV5yGcEX9IaRtSZoGZZCcYoAQuqurCTUVrLEOTwhg/s320/earth-moon+pull.jpg" /></a>Here at Ecology we are dedicated to understanding the effects of <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/index.htm" target="_blank">climate change in Washington</a>. One of the ways to visualize what sea level rise could look like is to document high tides. Spring tides occur naturally when the sun and the moon align, causing an increased gravitational pull on the Earth’s oceans. Note that spring tides are the scientific term commonly used to describe tides and don’t refer to the season. The very highest spring tides are called “King Tides”. Ecology’s <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/ipa_hightide.htm" target="_blank">King Tide photo initiative</a>is an exciting interactive way to get citizens engaged in science. But how many of us can actually explain how tides work? It turns out that many adults know it has something to do with the moon, but explaining the process can be complicated.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraN2Vo0rgiTWipXJBTEsKkzRUU98BaMachUQjKbV98s6D4iIropgKktweCnFbjJbJiWXtEkhrmNZ9NBOrKzooK5Z4rL6uRQPz-Fju8orQMKNWBCCF6ZsRGebDgJq2za6xIErH_2pvQ7b6/s1600/image1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 20px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 283px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 196px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722079921288588098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraN2Vo0rgiTWipXJBTEsKkzRUU98BaMachUQjKbV98s6D4iIropgKktweCnFbjJbJiWXtEkhrmNZ9NBOrKzooK5Z4rL6uRQPz-Fju8orQMKNWBCCF6ZsRGebDgJq2za6xIErH_2pvQ7b6/s320/image1.jpg" /></a>Let’s start with gravity. All objects that have mass have a force between them. There is gravitational force between me and my laptop, me and my coffee table, and me and the chair across the room. It is also important to remember that the gravitational force gets weaker with distance. The closer I am to the chair the greater the pull of the gravitational force. As I move further away, that pull decreases. Note gravitational force is pull, not push. When talking about tides, we’re referring to the force of the moon’s pull. <br /><br />So what is the moon pulling exactly? If the moon is pulling the Earth’s water towards itself, why is there also a bulge on the opposite side of earth-moon alignment? A common misconception among many folks attributes the second bulge to the earth’s rotational force. To be honest, when researching this blog, my mind was a bit boggled. I wasn’t “getting” it either. Then, the January issue of Science & Children published by the National Science Teachers Association landed on my door. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-mmzQzf7i3NJNm1LCu8e3SjYhk-BTml0hMp-xiIRwt6j0abABFnsFmD70mK7dpkWtkkeNXMHfu2IVg4Ma5p0sf-2H6jZ1t1f94s5iIR3FDLmvONIGZWS4PBbPv2k01Zo9UzfJJ_lrGCS/s1600/image2.jpg"></a><br /><br />Here is what I learned: It helps to imagine the moon exerting its force on three things. 1) It pulls the water closest to the moon, 2) It pulls the Earth, and finally, 3) It pulls the water farthest from the moon. Remember the strength of the moon’s pull is weaker on the “things” it is farther from. Therefore water closest to the moon receives the strongest pull causing a water bulge. The Earth receives a medium pull, separating it from the water farthest from the moon, causing a water bulge. The water farthest from the moon receives a small pull, but not enough to diminish the water bulge. Now add the Earth, its continents and ocean basins rotating. Twice a day the continents and ocean basins pass through the gravitational pull causing the bulge and water slowly rises then falls. Boom, tides! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXGTCyA9j7KRoKiFYk5Jw9uEuGmlYAE-AJ6vfbQ2bdAEb0G9HgagWTtSZBFd7JcIsi-ZUbbyoptW4NFSnYifgG_kNSsuI44ONGiDR1HcrED1TppwbxPcz2qipN_2IxLnr8JXm7lXENhIR/s1600/image2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 5px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722096698060464354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXGTCyA9j7KRoKiFYk5Jw9uEuGmlYAE-AJ6vfbQ2bdAEb0G9HgagWTtSZBFd7JcIsi-ZUbbyoptW4NFSnYifgG_kNSsuI44ONGiDR1HcrED1TppwbxPcz2qipN_2IxLnr8JXm7lXENhIR/s320/image2.jpg" /></a><br />Now add the sun’s gravitational pull. When the sun isn’t in alignment with the earth and moon the gravitational pulls cancel each other out. These are called neap tides. When the sun is in alignment it reinforces the moon’s pull causing spring tides, the highest “King Tides”. That is where our climate connection comes in. Earth and moon interactions, in the form of “King Tides”, can provide a glimpse of what sea level rise caused by climate change might look like in Washington. King tides are a natural part of the earth's tidal cycle and are not a result of climate change but they do provide a view of the locally highest tides, which may occur more frequently as sea levels rise due to the effects of climate change.<br /><br />Illustration credits: <em>NSTA Journal Science & Children</em><br clear=all><br /><hr align="left" width="400">Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-42654479007580294532012-03-07T08:28:00.007-08:002014-03-24T09:24:17.871-07:00Let's Talk Science! A new column focused on science at EcologyBy Brook Beeler, Environmental Educator, Office of Communication and Education<br />
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<img alt="Photo source: EPA: Role of Science at EPA" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpFh8sJy_eUlK5N-QP9-JchMDCN2zl0gigTeCyRGQyJZL0XFXJOV2L1B0JmOVF-QW6QUV8f-F9UUs6zlU4Qu8ShqWCQTYfl5-gxV8_njN-a9DttdtSuqfAYxVkB3JIw9fSHexgRDHmMhq/s320/EPAscientist.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717618001227558402" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 162px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 274px;" />Science is cool! We think it’s important to have an understanding of the big concepts in life, Earth, and physical science. It’s important not only because our work is based on these concepts, but also because our environment’s behavior is based on basic scientific principles.<br />
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It’s not just our scientists who need a good understanding of these principles, but our policy decision makers, permit writers, education and communication staff and even you! Why you? Well, key ideas in science provide the foundation for understanding our universe or, closer to home, our environment. Everything we do in our everyday life, such as taking care of our health and being responsible citizens, relates to sound scientific principles.<br />
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We will talk about chemical reactions, atoms and molecules, energy in earth systems, water, weather, habitats, changes in ecosystems, and the list goes on! And for the true science geeks in our midst, we will point out how each simple scientific principle is intrinsic to the work we do every day.<br />
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Check back regularly to read and learn about science matters. Then, keep coming back. Next time you are standing around the water cooler, you can be the smarty pants with a great scientific explanation to answer your friends’ and co-workers’ curiosities.<br />
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You can <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/news/RSSportal.html" target="_blank">sign up to follow and receive RSS feeds</a> to Ecology and ECOconnect on our website. Choose the blog feed for "<a href="http://ecologywa.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default/-/Let%27s%20talk%20science">Let's Talk Science!</a>" You may also be interested in our <a href="http://ecologywa.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default/-/ecology%20for%20educators" target="_blank">Ecology for Educators</a> series.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-13070399766484103822012-01-31T09:26:00.000-08:002012-01-31T15:28:42.784-08:00Ecology for Educators: upcoming workshops!By Brook Beeler, Environmental Educator, Office of Communication and Education<br /><br />Did you know? Ecology provides science-based, interdisciplinary environmental education curricula and award-winning materials. These quality environmental education resources teach problem solving and critical thinking for students. Ecology also has exceptional <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/database.html" target="_blank">databases and research links</a>. <br /><br />You can find links to upcoming workshops, useful publications, and links to great resources and databases on our <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/services/ee/index.html" target="_blank">Ecology for Educators and Students page</a>. Bookmark it or subscribe to the <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/news/RSSportal.html" target="_blank">RSS feed</a> on this blog to stay current with Ecology for Educators.<br /><br /><h3>Upcoming workshops:</h3><br /><strong>Healthy Water Healthy People</strong><div style="float:right; margin:0 0 0 9px;"><a href="http://www.projectwet.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkXSYF37En4wMRFNwnGnHoHvzKTpj-tqmh6h-SDSDOvFHddp89eP73EjW0TTeCz0nv_MQpJbjrLEnpvx7GsVUw2f4u1n63ruEmMmaYx69MitIxf9XzL54F0GgFmRv3mpXAWgkrrq4hN4V/s200/WET+Guide+2.0+Cover+f.jpg" width="155" /></a><Br><br />Project WET 2.0 Curriculum Guide</div>February 23, 2012<br />Vancouver, WA<br /><br /><strong>Project WET 2.0 – NEW Curriculum Guide</strong><br />March 8, 2012<br />Vancouver, WA<br />Storming the Sound Conference: Central Sound<br />March 30, 2012<br />Bainbridge Island, WA<br /><br /><strong>Project WET</strong><br />April 19, 2012<br />Yakima, WA<br /><br />For more information including registration contacts please see the full listing on our <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/services/ee/workshop.html" target="_blank">Teacher Workshop page.</a><br /><hr align=left width=400>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4510056950479922035.post-79141121461691765722011-05-25T14:08:00.000-07:002011-05-25T16:52:35.327-07:00Updated Network for Climate Education!By Johanna Ofner, Carbon Smart Initiative; Washington Conservation Corps (WCC)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi903zwi-PmMsfHa21EpgVz-oochbyPQV8L52VxF1WwjxGYkLbPgeXRBWglHaopqqNf7v1OzwZJ916Hd4QP4apG7P-FUJHjQ_HY7nBqKiyW2swle-lTpBqHZXSllwkC-EiOutnxUZsqZuKk/s1600/treebook.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi903zwi-PmMsfHa21EpgVz-oochbyPQV8L52VxF1WwjxGYkLbPgeXRBWglHaopqqNf7v1OzwZJ916Hd4QP4apG7P-FUJHjQ_HY7nBqKiyW2swle-lTpBqHZXSllwkC-EiOutnxUZsqZuKk/s320/treebook.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610773777333369778" /></a> Are you a teacher looking for resources to help students learn about climate change? Do you work for a local or state government agency and want to know what other agencies are doing about climate change education? Are you just mildly curious about who’s teaching about climate change, what they’re doing, and how? <br /><br />If you answered yes to any of those questions, do we have a resource for you! Ecology maintains a list of folks who are part of a <a href="http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/climateEd_networkdirectory.htm">loose-knit network of climate educators</a>. In these times of shrinking budgets and staffs, an education network helps provide resources and cuts down on duplication of effort. <br /><br />We recently updated the network database. So check it out! Learn, engage and take action on climate change. And please, if you know of any other resources that should be added, <a href="mailto:ecologyoutreach@ecy.wa.gov?subject=Network for Climate Education">let us know</a>!<br clear=all><br /><hr align=left width=400px>WA Department of Ecologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17211353558094402510noreply@blogger.com0