Winter Is Not Only Coming; The Polar Vortex Arrived

A wall of ice and "winter is coming" are not just fictions from Game of Thrones. According to a climate scientist from the University of Wisconsin, polar bears are not the only ones who suffer from the global warming that reduces the size of ice bergs. Collapsing glaciers should raise concern, not just entertain, tourists to Alaska.

Once a glacier's ice wall cracks, it enables a swoosh of Arctic air to rush south. The polar vortex that crippled the midwestern United States last week can result. Frigid temperatures also cause frost quakes like the one experienced near Lake Michigan in Chicago.  When sections of underground water freeze, they can crash together with a loud bang and cause slight tremors similar to an earthquake. 

If you've ever tried to function when it is minus 20 degrees with a wind chill that makes it feel like minus 40 or 50 degrees, you will see how serious a glacier break can be. People freeze to death. Systems equipped to heat homes in Wisconsin only handle minus 16 degrees, and last week they did not heat homes well enough to prevent the need to wear gloves inside. Water mains break; fighting fires becomes even more hazardous; buses cannot run because diesel fuel turns to gel; car batteries don't start.

If we add the effect of frigid weather to that of burning heat caused by global warming, or if you want to call it climate change, the future of life on planet Earth looks bleaker and bleaker.   

   

Unique Free Travel Program for Teen Girls

Each summer, Inspiring Girls Expeditions provides experiences in science, art, critical thinking, and the outdoors. The organization forms teams of teen girls to explore an ice-covered volcano in Washington State, kayak in Resurrection Bay, Alaska, or study glaciers in Alaska or Switzerland. The organization is not looking for the best athletes, students with the highest grades, or those who participate in the most extracurricular activities.

Before applying for acceptance to a free expedition, read up on the program at inspiringgirls.org/. The deadline for creating an account is January 19, 2018 and all applications must be submitted by January 31, 2018. Since two teachers need to provide recommendations, act quickly to provide them with the necessary forms.

Remember that you are applying to be a member of a team. Whatever you are passionate about (science, environment, outdoors, art, philosophy, social issues, politics) suggests the unique contribution you can make to the team, and what teachers say about you should reinforce your interests. Teams are expected to have a diversity of backgrounds and life experiences and probably little or no access to opportunities similar to those on this expedition.

In addition to the opportunities offered by Inspiring Girls Expeditions, you'll find a list of many alternative programs at inspiringgirls.org and a way to be added to the organization's mailing list.