Our morning consisted mainly of data analysis. Each PI had small projects for the students to complete while we travelled. Karen, our GIS expert, helped students plot GPS locations on satellite imagery of the area, while teaching students new to ARC-GIS its main functions. Andy was busy analyzing tree-core data from the 1930s to the present. A previous dendrochronology expert had landscaped forest characteristics across Siberia right after the break-up of the Soviet Union, so Andy hopes to update this fantastic and irreplaceable data set. Sudeep and I worked to graph Katey Walter’s 2003 data on the area’s three main lakes: Shuchi, Tube Dispenser and Grass. Each lake is limnologically unique, making depth profiles and chlorophyll-a data particularly interesting. For example, Shuchi lake is pretty pedestrian in terms of depth profiling: it is stratified (two separate temperature levels splitting the lake, by depth), and has a relatively large photic zone (area where sunlight reaches). Grass Lake, on the other hand, is extremely deep and has a very small photic zone, limiting algal growth to the surface. It is quite exciting to study such lakes, as they occupy very similar terrestrial landscapes, yet act in completely different ways. Many questions still surround the nutrient levels and mixing qualities of these areas.

Later in the morning, a small contingent (Max, Anya S, Tyler, John and I) travelled to the fisherman’s home (this location has already been blogged about). However, we visited in order to sample. Anya and I gathered a gas (hopefully methane and hydrogen) sample from the lake, while Tyler and John hiked to a nearby stream to sample its water. While the wonders of this home have already been reviewed, it proved to be an amazing cultural experience for me. This fisherman has moved his home twice already, due to a river that continuously encroaches on his property! However, he was a happy, friendly and generous man (we still snack on dried fish from his catch), who clearly loves his land and location. We said our goodbyes, but expected to see him again when he visits for his life-long friend’s (Sergei) birthday.

Of note, we tricked our fearless leader, Max, that evening. During the time usually dedicated to reflections and highlights from the day, we were all sure to mention the sighting of a Walrus swimming up the Kolyma. Before his very unusual siesta, Max told everyone he didn’t want to nap, as he was afraid that he’d miss something important. Needless to say, we tricked the main brain behind our trip, but I think that he knew he was being duped.

Later that night, we arrived to our dock space (the beach of a tiny island) across from Duvannyi Yar just as a fog rolled across the shore. The beauty of Siberia continues to impress me, as the opposite shore disappeared beneath a white cloud. Tyler and I walked up the beach, following a set of bear/cub tracks, comparing class choices and plans for our time after graduation from college. With the sun nearing the horizon, we decided it was time for bed, as the following day exploring Duvannyi Yar was sure to be a long and exicitng one.

Russian Word of the Day: Riba

Translation: Fish (a good switch from the Moose)

-Matt Ruppel

Student, Holy Cross