Articles by author: Brock University

• Weakening permafrost yields prehistoric remains: Brock University hydrologist

  Monday, June 20, 2016 | By Brock University

  EXPERT ADVISORY: R00126 – 15 June 2016

  Duck hunter Robert Kyikavichik’s discovery of a woolly mammoth bone sticking out of the Crow River in Northern Yukon may become a more frequent occurrence as warmer temperatures continue to weaken northern permafrost, says a Brock University hydrologist.

  Kevin Turner, assistant professor in Brock’s Department of Geography, studies the impact of climate change in a lake-rich area of the Yukon called Old Crow Flats, the traditional territory of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

  He notes that in Northern Canada, increasing temperatures and fluctuating precipitation are more pronounced than other parts of the country.

  This has caused some lakes to shrink, others to expand, and river shorelines to erode.

  “The permafrost holds everything together and shoreline erosion allows for it to slide into the river, unlocking whatever has been stored within it. Increasing temperatures in the Canadian north can weaken the permafrost and lead to more erosion,” says Turner.

  In fact, Turner himself found a woolly mammoth bone a few years ago during his research in Old Crow Flats.

  “It is a regular occurrence for members of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, whose traditional territory this is, to find newly exposed bones along the river bank. This region (Beringia) has been a refuge for animals for many thousands of years and the evidence has not been cleared away by glaciers.”

  Turner is now studying how climate change-induced landscape changes in Old Crow Flats are affecting the area’s water balance and chemistry.

  He is particularly interested in the movement of carbon, a chemical element that, when bonded with oxygen, produces carbon dioxide.

  Humans’ massive burning of oil, coal and other fossil fuels has greatly increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is warming the earth’s temperature.
  “It is important to identify the movement of carbon from other sources, including degrading permafrost,” he says.

  “As carbon-rich material is unlocked from the frozen shorelines and exported into the river system, the dissolved carbon can either remain within the waterways or become mobile in the atmosphere, which may perpetuate climate change.”

  For interviews with Kevin Turner, assistant professor in Brock’s Department of Geography, contact: kturner2@brocku.ca
   

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:
  * Cathy Majtenyi, Research Communications/Media Relations Specialist, cmajtenyi@brocku.ca, 905-321-0566
  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

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  Categories: Media releases

• New coach, new era for Brock women’s basketball

  Friday, June 17, 2016 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: R00125 – 15 June 2016

  Good basketball players, good community ambassadors. Those are the kind of young women Ashley MacSporran wants on her team.

  The Brock Badgers ushered in a new era Wednesday morning when MacSporran was introduced as the next head coach of the Badgers women’s basketball team.

  Landing a head coaching position in an Ontario University Athletics program has long been the goal for the Kitchener/Waterloo-born MacSporran, but it was Brock’s success both on the court and in the stands that drew her to the St. Catharines university.

  She said she first noticed the Badgers fans and the #WeAreReady campaign during a playoff game in Ottawa.
  “Brock was playing just after us and in rolls these waves of fans. It was awesome. You just don’t see student-based fans in Canada like that, but it’s happening at Brock. I can’t wait to be part of that,” she said.

  MacSporran played her university basketball at Laurentian before a knee injury ended her career. She moved into coaching, getting initial experience in B.C. before serving as head coach of the Concordia University College women’s team in Edmonton. She joined the Guelph Gryphons as assistant coach for two years and then moved to the University of Windsor as an assistant last season.

  She said her experience as a player helps her connect with the team.
  “I understand where the players are coming from. I can relate to them,” said MacSporran, who describes her coaching style as enthusiastic and positive. “I’ve found it easier to make calls and get the players to trust me a little bit better because I’ve been there and been through those experiences.”

  She said that while Brock’s past success is something she’ll strive for, she sees this as a new beginning for the Badgers women’s team.

  “It’s definitely a fresh start. How we represent ourselves in the community, it’s going to be all fresh and brand new,” she said. “I’ve got some great ideas to jump along with what Brock is already doing. The more you get these young women out in the community and get them involved, it just helps them excel and grow later in life. It’s not all about basketball.”

  Neil Lumsden, Director of Athletics and Recreation, said he’s looking forward to seeing the direction MacSporran takes the team.

  “One of the keys is she has worked with some of the best coaches and programs in the country and therefore has learned what it takes to lead a solid, competitive and sustainable program,” Lumsden said.

  “Based on her extensive plan that has to do with engaging our students, reaching out to alumni, and maintaining a focus on Brock University, she has basically encompassed all the elements that are required to build a championship program both on and off the court.”

  For more information or to confirm attendance:
  *  Shawn Whiteley, Co-ordinator of Sports Information, Brock University swhiteley@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x4506
  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970
   

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  Categories: Media releases