Courtesy VINS
Ice has a detrimental effect on the forest. Through experimentation, researchers are finding out just how bad it can be.
Thursday, April 19, 7 p.m.—QUECHEE— The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) invites the public to join a discussion – “Why Ice Storms Are Not Cool” – based on research undertaken at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, with Lindsey Rustad, team leader of the Ice Storm Experiment. The discussion will be held Thursday, April 19, at 7 p.m. in the VINS pavilion.
During the winter of 2015/2016, Hubbard Brook researchers succeeded in creating one of Mother Nature’s most extreme winter events: an ice storm. The team of scientists trekked into the forest in pre-dawn, single-digit temperatures and, using fire hoses and high-pressure pumps, sprayed water 100 feet into the air. Decked in ice from base to tip, the forest was undeniably beautiful, until it literally began falling apart, enabling researchers to assess the initial damage and monitor the long-term consequences in the aftermath of this human-made ice storm.
Although ice storms are related to climate change and expected to become more severe in our region, they are unpredictable and difficult to study. Learn about this exciting and ongoing research effort and gain a better understanding of the impacts of these powerful and curiously aesthetic extreme weather events have on our region.
The event is free and open to the public; a $10 donation is suggested. Light refreshments will be served. VINS is located at 6565 Woodstock Road, Quechee. For more information, visit vinsweb.org.
