The Bay of Fundy tides, influenced by changes dating back to the end of the last Ice Age around 12,000 years ago, are a testament to the enduring nature of climate change, according to Catrina Russell, an educator at Stonehammer Geopark in New Brunswick. Russell emphasized that climate fluctuations are recurrent occurrences shaped by factors such as plate tectonics and continental positioning. The significant influx of water into the ocean from melting ice at the close of the Ice Age elevated sea levels and gave rise to the distinctive tides of the region.
As an advocate for merging geological and climate science with historical and contemporary contexts, Russell, alongside Jack Quirion from ACAP Saint John, conducted an educational Rockin Uptown Tour. They aim to illuminate how geological processes impact present-day realities, highlighting the ongoing repercussions of the Ice Age’s conclusion on the region’s climate. The interplay of natural and human-induced climate shifts continues to manifest in rising temperatures, with the area experiencing a notable acceleration in this trend.
Russell underscored the enduring influence of the region’s geology on past decisions and current lifestyles, emphasizing how geological features like tides have historically shaped human settlements. Both natural and man-made alterations to the landscape in Saint John, including waterfront infill projects, reflect a deep connection to the area’s geological past. Quirion, focusing on the implications of rising sea levels, expressed concerns about the vulnerability of existing and future developments to erosion and inundation.
In response to these challenges, ACAP is actively researching climate change impacts in the Stonehammer region, with a focus on developing mitigation strategies to address issues like erosion and flooding. Quirion highlighted the importance of adopting environmentally friendly solutions that benefit both the ecosystem and local communities. Rather than resorting to conventional measures like rock walls along coastlines, he advocated for a balanced approach incorporating nature-based solutions that leverage the resilience of native plant species to combat erosion and flooding effectively.