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Arctic Tundra Dynamics

Hi Rob-

 I love your journal entries! And thanks for asking and finding the answers to my questions. I really appreciate it.

My guess is that you haven't taken a swim in the southern ocean. Just a guess, but Antarctica is hard to get to and not too many people have. Am I right or wrong?

Now onto the bearded seal. Have the Inupiat noticed any changes in the quantity or quality of the bearded seals taken? I had heard that their Inupiat name does not name them as a seal. It is the equivalent of 'meat.' 

Lastly, have the Inupiats and/or the scientists noticed a melting of the permafrost over the last ten years or so?

Thank you so much for all your good writing and hard work. I am learning so much!

warmly,

Maggie 

Sat, 06/30/2007 - 19:29

Rob Wilder

Hi Maggie,

Make that two oceans I have yet to swim.  I was counting the Indian but not the Southern.  Guess I will have to make two long trips and not just one, so you are correct.

Paulo does not know specifics about the perma frost melt but does know that it has thawed to a further depth in some areas.  There are houses that have sunk due to the melting permafrost.  I will try to find some more specific answers for you.

I will also follow up on the bearded seal questions. 

Rob