8
Dàmhair 2021, 11:00 — 12:30
Làthaireachd shaor an-asgaidh
Join local climate researcher Eilidh Towers for a walk on the shoreline at Scorrybreac as she shares her research of Arctica Islandica clam shells.
Since the industrial revolution, human activities altering the Earth’s land, air, and ocean have increased, particularly through the burning of fossil fuels, increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. The industrial revolution, and 100 years on either side of it, is a key timespan for climate research.
Eilidh will talk about how her research explored tools to investigate the period around the industrial revolution, 1700 – 1950, known as the Little Ice Age in climate literature. Historical records reveal this period was colder than the 1000-year average, with alpine glacier advancement and droughts destroying crops. We’ll learn how A.islandica clam specimens from the North Sea and the Irish Sea can identify climate change through this time over a warming CLIMAVORE hot drink.
Note: please wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
Eilidh Towers
Growing up in Carbost, Skye, Eilidh Towers has a science background with a Degree (Hons) in Earth Science from the University of Glasgow and currently undertaking an MSc at Uppsala University, Sweden on North Sea climate change from 1765-1954 recorded by Arctica islandica clam shells. Eilidh is interested in how better understanding the climatic changes in history can inform us in the future.
Access
Access info: from Portree leave the A855 following Scorrybreac Road with the water on your right to the end of the road here. The walk begins at the car park here following an uneven and possibly muddy footpath, the walk may at points leave the footpath to explore the shore. Walks will only be cancelled in high wind. Please wear suitable footwear and dress for the weather. Bring midge protection too.
Skye For All’s access notes here for Scorrybreac.
Parking: there is parking at the start of the walk, a member of our team will be on hand to direct you. Where possible and if safe to do so please consider car sharing within household groups, or walking from the centre of Portree.
There are public toilets in Portree on the Green (5 mins drive). There is also a disabled toilet here for which you need a RADAR key.
