Aug 15 - How long does it take a glacier to carve a valley?

Good morning !

The weather today will be decidedly colder than what we’ve become used to over the last couple of hot, sunny weeks.

The cooler temperatures—and the rain that’s expected to accompany them—come at an important time; the Port Alberni wildfire has been growing roughly 1K ha a day with no signs of slowing. Fingers crossed the sky can help fire crews douse some of the flames.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌧️ 17 / 15

Tomorrow: 🌤️ 18 / 13

Day after: ⛅ 16 / 13

NEWS

UVic releases first comprehensive study of glacier land erosion

When people talk about glaciers in a modern context, often it’s to discuss what will happen if they melt. As climate change progresses, concerns about glaciers usually focus on the rise in sea levels, the changes to the ocean’s salinity, and the ancient sediments that could be released if these icy walls melt.

But there’s very little research on the effect of existing glaciers on land. During the Pleistocene epoch (AKA the Ice Age), glacier cycles carved out valleys and fiords around the world and left behind debris and sediment as they moved and melted. 

While the planet is no longer (thankfully) filled entirely with ice, existing modern glaciers can still have a profound effect on landscapes. Thanks to new research out of UVic, scientists are beginning to understand the long-term effects of glacial erosion—and how it could influence all aspects of land use planning, from agriculture to nuclear waste storage. 

Examining 180K glaciers around the world

Last week, UVic geographer Sophie Norris and her international research team released the most comprehensive study so far on how quickly glaciers can erode land.

The research team used machine learning techniques to analyze 180K glaciers worldwide—about 85% of modern glaciers.

The team used machine-learning tools to create equations based on existing data about glacier erosion rates, including topography, geology, and climate where the glaciers sit. The tools then provided an estimate of glacial erosion speeds around the world.

The researchers found that almost all glaciers will erode land by about 0.02 to 2.68 mm per year (roughly the width of a credit card). This can vary based on a range of factors, according to the study.

“The conditions that lead to erosion at the base of glaciers are more complicated than we previously understood,” Norris said in a release. “Our analysis found that many variables strongly influence erosion rates: temperature, amount of water under the glacier, what kind of rocks are in the area, and how much heat comes from inside the Earth.”

Planning for the future with ever-changing landscapes

Understanding and being able to predict the speed of erosion could help governments, urban planners, and conservationists with important land-use planning. This includes long-term nuclear waste storage—the study was partially funded by the Canadian Nuclear Waste Management Organization—which is often buried deep in the earth. If the land above these nuclear storage sites were to erode, it could spell trouble for those living nearby.

The information can also offer an understanding of the distribution of sediments and nutrients in soil. As these change over time it can benefit agriculture—the Canadian Prairies are one example of fertile soil brought on by ancient glaciers—or cause an imbalance in soil nutrients.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Tour de Victoria road closures tomorrow: Menzies, Belleville, Government & Dallas Road affected. 6am-4pm. [Tour de Victoria]

Elk Lake removed from no-swim list as blue-green algae clears. Beaver Lake remains on the list. [Island Health]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

Victoria author starts ovarian cancer fundraiser ‘to give back’

Jean Paetkau is sick of wearing sweatpants—and all that comes with it.

The Victoria author has decided to revisit her love of vintage clothes, while sharing her experience and support as a cancer survivor, and raising money to fight the horrible disease that changed her life 15 months ago.

Paetkau has started an online fundraiser to help ovarian cancer “warriors” in their battle against a disease that often goes undetected until it’s too late. 

The Ovarian Cancer Fashionista Fundraiser went live two weeks ago and, less than 48 hours later, had already received pledges for more than $2K. Pledges are currently sitting just below $9K.

“I don't know if my spirit could have survived without the support of the online cancer community,” Paetkau tells Capital Daily. “So I need to use my good health to give back.”

It was just after she had completed the draft for her second murder mystery novel, The Sinking of Souls—which followed her widely successful breakout, Blood on the Breakwater—that Paetkau found out she had cancer. 

“I had symptoms for six months, but it took a trip to the ER to get an immediate ovarian cancer diagnosis,” says the mother of two. “My biopsy got bumped because my surgeon advocated for me.”

Ovarian cancer is notoriously difficult to detect because there is no effective screening test for the disease, and according to Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC), symptoms can mimic other maladies.

Read Mark Brennae’s full story here.

This story ran for our Insiders on Aug. 3. Consider becoming an Insider today and be the first to receive stories every Sunday.

SPONSORED BY THE VICTORIA FOUNDATION

Pulse magazine spotlights social impact in Greater Victoria!

Harjas Singh Popli was jobless in 2021 when he and his family started putting money from savings into their new mobile food bank called Fateh Care Charity.

One year earlier, Harjas, his wife Dr. Navneet Kaur Popli, and their two sons made a split-second decision to start fresh in Canada, amid a new and tumultuous pandemic. They packed their lives in eight bags and snagged the last flight from New Delhi to Canada before the Canadian airspace officially closed.

Since moving to Victoria, the Poplis have been tirelessly operating a mobile food bank for those with mobility challenges in Greater Victoria, which led to a prestigious King Charles III Coronation medal for their generosity.

In this year's Pulse magazine, read about Fateh Care's inspiring journey and other stories of incredible changemakers in the capital region!

⭐️ Capital Picks

🍴North Saanich Flavour Trails happening next Sat. & Sun. 

🌲✊ Remnants of Fairy Creek blockades five years later. [Fairy Creek Blockade]

🥸 Rifflandia theme days revealed. 

🗞️ In Other News

Unusually aggressive Port Alberni wildfire reaches 3,400 ha
Yesterday, the out-of-control fire grew an additional 1,300 ha since Wed. evening. The fire has been burning at Rank 4 and Rank 5 severity—some of the highest levels—which officials say is unusual for an Island fire. Environment Canada released air quality warnings for the inland Island and eastern communities near Nanoose Bay. There is currently no risk to nearby communities (Port Alberni, Bamberton, etc.). [Times Colonist]  

Saanich PD investigating body found on Galloping Goose
Police closed the trail between Burnside and the TCH near Cuthbert Holmes Park for two hours yesterday as the Major Crimes Unit investigated the area. While the investigation is in its early stages, SPD said the death does not appear suspicious in nature. There is no apparent risk to the public. 

BC Transit to roll out standing-only policy
Transit commuters may be used to—and frustrated by—buses passing them at stops when full. But starting next month, BC Transit will roll out a new system in an effort to reduce pass-bys. When all seats are taken, buses will display a “standing room only” message on the outside. The buses will allow more passengers to board at each designated stop until the standing area is full (when people can no longer stay behind the red line at the front). The policy will come in time for the new school year. [Saanich News]

SPONSORED BY DANCE VICTORIA

Early Bird Tickets: Canada's Ukrainian "Nutcracker"

Save with Early Bird tickets to the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers’ Nutcracker at the Royal Theatre, Nov. 28–30. Lavish sets, ornate costumes, rich Ukrainian symbolism, and live music by the Victoria Symphony bring Clara’s magical journey to life in this joyful rendition of the beloved holiday classic. A folk ballet like no other!

🗓️ Things to do

🎹 Drama Queen with The Thunes and Heron Hereon: Dance to electrifying '80s dreamscape synthpop and rock at The Coda tonight. 9pm [Info]

🎤 Helen Ferguson & Calluna: The soulful singer-songwriter will perform at Cameron Bandshell today 1:30-3:30pm. [Info]

🎵 Shadows and Light: This tribute to the music of Joni Mitchell features an all-star lineup of Island musicians at Hermann’s tomorrow. 7pm. [Info]

🛍️ Annual Sidney Sidewalk Sale: Hunt for discounted summer merchandise and enjoy live music, face painting, and free lemonade on Beacon Avenue in Sidney tomorrow. 10am-4pm. [Info]

🎭 Mary Poppins the Musical Jr: See the junior production of this musical based on the iconic Disney film at Mary Winspear Centre tomorrow. 6pm. [Info]

🎸 Rockwood: Experience shimmering four-part harmonies and vintage folk rock at The Loft Pub tomorrow. 7-10pm. [Info]

💃 Flamenco Guitar Evening: Experience world-class flamenco guitar with Gareth Owen and Iminah Kani at The Mint. Sun. 7pm. [Info]

🐝 Pollinator Habitat Workshop: Build your own mason bee house and learn practical ways to attract pollinators at Island View Farm & Mini Golf. Sun. 11am-1pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Thursday’s headlines: Mobile clinic offers rapid hepatitis C testing for Victoria shelter residents; Port Alberni issues state of emergency, evacuation alerts amid Mount Underwood Fire. [Aug. 14]

Indigenous reads: The little free library at the James Bay boat ramp (on Dallas) has been restocked with more Indigenous literature. [GV Harbour Authority]

Report: racial profiling of shoppers a neglected human rights issue. [CTV]

Intermittent road closures on Fairfield, between Cook and Memorial Crescent, for the next six to eight weeks. [City of Victoria]

Smoke from Port Alberni and Washington fires expected to reach Victoria today.

Big meal: Duck seen eating an invasive American bullfrog in North Nanaimo. [Facebook photos]

These tentacles are made for walking: A giant Pacific octopus is seen strutting around the ocean floor in Nanoose Bay. [Scuba BC / Instagram]

That’s it!

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