Mar 24, 2014

David Montgomery talks to KUOW about the Oso landslide

On Saturday March 22, a powerful landslide occurred above the Stillaguamish River near the town of Oso in western Washington. David Montgomery, professor of Earth and space sciences, talks to Ashley Ahearn at KUOW about what causes such slides to occur. Listen to the story on KUOW. Since this report, Montgomery has shared his expertise through numerous other media outlets, including: Seattle Times Op-Ed: Map the runout risk for landslides like Oso New York Times: In a State Known for Landslides, a Deadly Mix of Loose Sediments and Heavy Rain KUOW: Geological Circumstances Behind Washington Mudslide PBS NewsHour: Washington state mudslide conditions present ‘nightmare scenario’ for rescue team, says geologist

Mar 19, 2014

‘Future of Ice’ initiative prepares students for leadership in the Arctic

Garrett Knoll participates in the Polar Science Weekend

Students are among the beneficiaries of the UW’s deep polar expertise, which is highlighted in the collaborative and new Future of Ice Initiative made up of multiple units across campus. The Initiative represents a commitment by the University to invest in knowledge about the polar regions, and provide a framework through which to foster collaborative partnerships with stakeholders at high latitudes.

Mar 17, 2014

Inuit leader Sheila Watt-Cloutier visits UW

The successful Future of Ice Speaker Series came to a close on March 11 with a visit from Sheila Watt-Cloutier, a Canadian Inuit leader who spoke about how our planet’s changing climate is deeply affecting the Inuit culture and way of life. Watt-Cloutier routinely travels the globe, drawing attention to the issue of climate change using a human lens to talk about impacts.

Mar 6, 2014

Wolves and the ecology of fear

Does “the big bad wolf” play an important role in the modern-day food web? In this video we journey to Washington State’s Cascade Mountains, where the return of wolves could have a profound impact on a vast wilderness area. We meet up with biologist Aaron Wirsing to explore why wolves and other top predators are needed for diverse ecosystems to flourish.

Feb 25, 2014

Remembering Robert Burgner, professor of Aquaric and Fishery Sciences

Longtime Aquatic and Fishery Sciences professor Robert L. “Bud” Burgner, a pioneer in Alaska fisheries research, passed away in January. A leader in the aquatic sciences, Burgner helped establish and served as Director of the Fisheries Research Institute from which the Alaska Salmon Program was born. Burgner also shepherded the development of the High Seas Salmon program with his extensive international connections with Japanese and Canadian scientists.