It’s our fourth full day in Cherskiy!  The weather has been beautiful everyday – sunny with a breeze and warm (but not hot).  Everyone is already very busy with their projects – collecting samples, doing lab work, entering data, and discussing ideas.  I spent the last two days in the field with Allison, Sam, Andy, Becky, and Eli collecting samples and measurements for the terrestrial survey.  We gathered information on active layer depth, canopy density, tree diameter, and soil for two 0.2 hectare plots.  Yesterday we also learned how to take tree cores, collecting three from the first plot and 40 from the second.  Today Allison and I have been creating a data sheet and entering all of our measurements.  Many others who are working on the aquatic survey are out sampling the floodplain on the opposite side of the river, and a few people are working in the labs.

As part of the terrestrial survey, students measure the diameter of trees at “breast height” (1.4 meters high) using a special measuring tape called a DBH (diameter breast height) tape. © Becky Tachihara

It’s hard to believe we haven’t even been here for a week yet – it already feels like we have well-established routines each day, even though each day has been slightly different.  Everyone seems very comfortable and at home here.  I’m constantly impressed by everyone’s enthusiasm in both their own and other people’s projects.  There is a genuine curiosity and interest in learning and experiencing as much as possible while we are here – not only about the science but also about each other and the language and culture of the area.  I’m really looking forward to taking trips to Duvannyi Yar, Pleistocene Park, and the ocean (hopefully), but am also really enjoying the everyday conversations, excursions, and habits.  I have already learned so much and couldn’t ask for a better group of people to be with here in Siberia!

Another tool for the terrestrial team is the densiometer, which looks like a small round mirror in a box and is used to measure how dense the tree canopy is in a given location. © Becky Tachihara

Dylan uses a metal pole to check the depth of the active layer, a layer of thawed soil above the permafrost. © Becky Tachihara