25.2.11

Ice Storm Experiment

Ice Experiment

It's been a Big Week for Big Chuck. He's been working on a tree icing experiment simulating ice storm damage to trees, similar to the big ice storm that happened in Quebec and the eastern provinces in 1998. I was on site for a few days and helped him with different aspects of the projects. Yes, you may now call me a jr. scientist.

Ice Experiment

The basic concept was to use a watering system to simulate rain and build up ice on the tree's branches until they broke. The tree was already set to be removed because of a building project on the site, so rather than being cut down to make way for new development, it died in the name of science.

Ice Experiment

Once sufficient ice built up and branches began to break, Big Chuck and his team took measurements of the branches to determine the weight of the ice that caused them to break. In a natural event the ice melts before scientists can reach the forest, due to blocked roads and downed power lines.

Ice Experiment

After spending days outside under the "freezing rain" Big Chuck would come home with clothing that was literally frozen. And I suffered a small cut on my hand too. We're pretty tough in this family.

Have a warm and toasty weekend,
xo bess

9 comments:

  1. Wow - this is absolutely incredible. I wasn't here during that storm, but I've heard all about it, from friends in Montreal and even Kingston at the time. I must say, the whole thing terrifies me... I can barely handle a little bit of freezing rain, never mind a full on ice storm. But these pictures are stunning and so interesting.

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  2. Amazing!! I love your photos - they're beautiful. Second one from the top is really stunning - and brr-inducing! You guys are one tenacious family :) The ice storm was an eerie, quiet, beautiful but deadly time. Remind me to tell you my ice storm stories ;)

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  3. Wow! What an interesting project for Big Chuck and photo opporunity for you! Gorgeous shots, Bess!

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  4. What an amazing job! My sister lived through that ice storm in Kingston. A tree fell on her car and she had no power for a week. The only thing that got her through was reading Ann Marie MacDonald's Fall On Your Knees!

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  5. The pictures are beautiful!
    I remember thinking how beautiful everything looked during the '98 ice storm too. I wish I'd taken more pictures back then!
    xo

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  6. iced trees are always spectacular
    this one is no exception
    its white branches remind me of the respectable white hair that comes with age
    ~an elegant sign that both are mortal
    cool idea & end result

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  7. science meets art - just beautiful

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  8. Hiya! I just wanted to remark that you actually managed to customize a beautiful site. Will you be so nice and answer my question. Do you consider the option to write as a professional or having a blog is just a kind of hobby of yours?

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